f 



w'\: 



BX 

779/ 

\.A3B3 
IS75 






'Vt'iK''"-'' ■ ' 










\^.. 







tot , /4 3??.^ 



MEMORIALS 



eONCKRNINQ 



SEVERAL MINISTERS 



OTHERS, DECEASED 



Religious Society of Friends, 



WITHIN THK LIMITS OF 



BALTIMORE YEARLY MEETIiXG. 



1 J 



BALTIMORE : 

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE YEARLY MEETING. 



INNES & COMPANY, PRINTERS. 

1875. 



i-.l^ 



r^q 



K 

\%^^ 



Grifl. 

W. L. Shoymaker 
1 S '06 



MEMORIALS, ^c. 



[■Testimony of Gunpowder Monthly Meeting concerning 
our ancient friendj Ann Moore, deceased. 

An engagement of mind hath induced us to preserve 
. gome account of the services of this, our valuable friend, 
r the memory of whom is precious, and will not be easily- 
erased from our minds. 

By the accounts we have received, she was born in 
fc Pennsylvania, the 16th of 9th month, 1710. But 
/ iier mother dying, when very young, she was placed 
IT amongst Friends, and though she was visited in her 
young and tender years with the incomes of divine 
love, but for want of keeping close to the pure, unerring 
guide, had many a bitter cup to drink ; yet the Lord 
was pleased in mercy to visit her again with the day- 
spring from on high, and by his righteous judgments, 
she was made willing to become an instrument in his 
hand ; and in the twenty-eighth year of her age ap- 
peared in the ministry, and became a faithful laborer in 
the Church of Christ. 

In the year seventeen hundred and fifty-three, she, 
with her husband and family, removed from Pennsyl- 
vania to Maryland, and settled within the compass of 
Gunpowder particular meeting; and notwithstanding she 
had various trials and exercises to pass through, yet she 



was preserved, with becoming patience and resignation, 
diligently attending meetings ; her example and deport- 
ment therein becoming a Gospel Minister, she was fre- 
quently qualified to administer suitably to the various 
states of the people, often comforting the mourners in 
Zion, strengthening and encouraging the hindermost of 
the flock ; rousing the lukewarm and indifferent, with 
faithful warnings to the backsliding and rebellious ; 
solemn and awful in supplication, frequently exercised 
therein for the Church of Christ, and the gathering in 
of the outcasts of Israel and the dispersed of Judah ; 
under which concern she travelled many journeys on 
this continent, and once to Europe, in which she was 
careful to have the unity of her friends at home ; and 
by accounts received, her visits and Gospel labors were 
to good satisfaction. 

Most of the last three years of her life she resided in 
Baltimore Town, where, though ancient and feeble, was 
diligent in attending meetings, and continued bright 
and lively in the ministry, laboring with zeal and fer- 
vency in promoting the cause of God and the honor of 
his everlasting Truth. 

After about five weeks' illness, she departed this 
life at her dwelling place aforesaid, the 11th of 11th 
month, 1783, near the close of the 73d year of her age, 
in full unity with her friends, and was decently in- 
terred in Friends' burying- ground there, the 13th of 
the same. — At which time a Testimony was borne to 
the sufficiency of that Divine principle of light and 
truth that qualified her to be a useful and serviceable 
instrument in the Lord's hand, and earnest desires ex- 



pressed that those who have been in mercy favored with 
renewed visitations from on high, and called to work in 
the Lord's vineyard, might not draw back nor shrink 
in the day of trial, but stand faithful, that they might 
be enabled and qualified to fill the places of those 
valiants that are called from works to rewards. 
Signed on behalf of the aforesaid meeting, by 



John Wilson, \ ^, , 
Mary Parrish, / '^^^^''^' 



Read and approved at our Quarterly Meeting, held 

at Baltimore, the 4th of 2d month, 1786. 

Signed by 

Joseph Townsend, 1 ^j , 
Mary Parrish, / ^ ^*^'''^- 



A Testimony from Third-haven Monthly Meeting^ in Talbot 
County^ Maryland^ held 30th day of 3d month, 1786, 
concerning Joseph Berry. 

This our esteemed friend and approved Elder, was 
the son of James and Sarah Berry, of the county afore- 
said ; who educated him according to our principles : 
he was endowed with a good natural capacity, and as 
he grew in years, his conduct and deportment became 
more solid, grave and weighty ; he was zealous for the 
cause of Truth, a diligent attender of meetings, and 
careful to observe the time appointed, often concerned 
to stir up others to the like decent and orderly practice ; 
an affectionate husband and tender father, given to hos- 



6 

pitality, a friend to the poor, and helpful to them in 
their distress ; and by his sober and Christian conver- 
sation, obtained a good report. His declining age was 
attended with exercises and afflictions of various kinds, 
all of which he endured with exemplary patience. In 
the time of his last illness, he was preserved in much 
stillness and resignation to the Divine will, and departed 
this life at his own house, the 22d day of 10th 
month, 1783, about the 7th day of his illness, in the 
52d year of his age, and was buried in Friends' burying 
ground at Tuckaho, on the 24tli of the same. 

Signed in and by direction of the Meeting aforesaid, by 

Tristram Needles, Clerh. 

Read and approved in our Quarterly Meeting, held 
at Cecil Meeting House, in Kent County, the 16th of 
4th month, 1786. 

Signed on behalf thereof, by 

Richard Bartlett, Clerh. 



A Testimony from Third-haven Monthly Meeting^ held the 
30th of Sd month, 1786, concerning our esteemed frierid, 
John Bartlett, deceased, 

Son of Joseph and Martha Bartlett, of Talbot County, 
Maryland, who educated him in the principles of Truth, 
and as he grew in years grew in religious experience, 
and by reason of his meek and upright conduct, was 
beloved by most who were acquainted with him. He 
was a tender, affectionate husband, exemplary in his 



behavior and solid sitting in meeting ; a useful member 
of society, and approved in the station of an Elder. His 
last illness was tedious, and attended with sharp afflic- 
tion, in all of which he was preserved in exemplary 
patience ; being much tried, as he expressed, with pov- 
erty in the forepart thereof, yet was at times favored 
with a renewal of strength, and a resignation of his will ; 
being often in a weighty frame of mind, his expressions 
were tendering and instructive. The morning before 
his departure, appearing sensible his end w^as near, with 
great solemnity and composure said, let all be still, and 
in a short time quietly departed on the 26th of 8th 
month, 1784, in the 43d year of his age, and was buried 
at Friends' burying-ground at Third-haven, the 28th 
of the same. . 

Signed in and by direction of the Meeting aforesaid, by 

Teisteam Needles, Clerh, 

Read and approved in our Quarterly Meeting, held 
at Cecil Meeting House, in Kent County, the 16th of 
4th month, 1786. 

Signed on behalf thereof, by 

Richard Barteett, Clerh. 



A Testimony from the Monthly Meeting held at Third- 
haven, in Talbot County, concerning our beloved friend, 
James Berry, deceased. 



He was the son of James and Sarah Berry, of the 
county aforesaid. In the time of his youth, he took 



8 

delight in the pleasure and vanity of the world, but by 
joining in with the visitation of Divine regard, merci- 
fully extended, he became a useful member of society, 
and an approved Elder in the Church ; his natural 
abilities were extensive, of a quick discerning, and his 
spirit in a good degree seasoned with the virtue of love, 
rendered him very helpful in many difficulties in which 
he was concerned for the testimony of truth. He was 
an affectionate husband, and tenderly concerned for his 
offspring, that they might come up in the fear and ad- 
monition of the Lord. In the time of his last ilhiess, 
he appeared in a good degree resigned to the will of 
Providence, expressing that liis mind was calm and 
quiet ; that he felt a continual flow of affection towards 
his friends, and mankind generally, and desired there 
might not be too much anxiousness for his recovery ; 
that he felt his spirit comforted. He departed this life 
the 24th day of 1st month, 1785, and was buried in 
Friends' burying-ground, at Third-haven, the 26th of 
the same, aged about 56 years. 

Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting aforesaid, the 
30th of 3d month, 1786, by 

Tristram Needles, Clerk, 

Read and approved in our Quarterly Meeting, held at 
Cecil Meeting House, in Kent County, the 16th of 4th 
month, 1786. 

Signed on behalf thereof, by 

Richard Bartlett, Clerh 



Testimony or Memorial concerning John Malsby. late of 
Baltimore Town, deceased. 

This our esteemed friend, was born in Pennsylvania, 
the 17th of 9th month, 1753. His parents removed 
with their family to Maryland, and settled within the 
compass of Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, whilst he was 
young in years ; and being favored with an evidence of 
Divine grace, with earnest desires to make the necessary 
preparation for that awful summons — " S teward, give 
an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayst be no 
longer steward'' — which occasioned him to make a re- 
ligious search and inquiry after the knowledge of God, 
and that worship which is acceptable to him, but could 
not enjoy true satisfaction of mind, until he came 
amongst Friends, which was in the year 1773. And 
having to experience the goodness of God to his soul, 
wag concerned to bear public testimony thereto, and in- 
vite others to come taste and see how good the Lord is 
to them that love and fear his great Almighty name. 

In the year 1778, he removed within the verge of 
Pipe Creek Monthly Meeting, and soon after entered 
into a marriage state with Mary Stare, a member 
thereof; at which place he resided until the year 1783, 
and then, with the concurrence of his brethren, removed 
with his family and settled at Baltimore Town, where 
he was a diligent attender of meetings, and carefully 
concerned to take his family with him ; cheerfully giv- 
ing up his time to the services of Truth, when under 
appointment, but through diffidence, and under a sense 
of his own weakness, was rather backward in his ap- 



10 

pearances in the miDistiy, which were mostly short, but 
frequently attended with the seasoning virtue of Truth, 
made them acceptable and comforting to the living 
amongst us, who are truly sensible of our loss, but we 
trust it is his everlasting gain. 

After a short illness, he departed this life at his own 
house, the lOtli day of 9th month, 1785, aged near 
32 years, and on the 11th, his remains were accompanied 
by a number of Friends and others, to Friends' burying 
ground there, and was decently interred, after which a 
solid meeting was held and several Testimonies borne, 
setting forth the uncertainty of our stay here, and the 
necessity of having oil in our vessels that our lamps may 
be kept burning against the midnight cry, ^' Behold, the 
Bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him/' 

Signed in and on behalf of Gunpowder Monthly 

Meeting, held at Gunpowder, the 29th of 4th month, 

1786, by '^ 

Joseph Toavnsend, Clerk 

The foregoing Testimony being read and considered 
in our Quarterly Meeting, held at Baltimore the 6th of 
5th month, 1786, was approved and signed on behalf 
and by order of the same, by 

Joseph Townsend, Clerk, 



A Testimony from Deer Greek Monthly Meeting, concerning 
our dear friend, Mart Cox, deceased. 

She was born at Egham-hith, in Great Britain, and 
was educated in the profession of the Church of Eng- 



11 

land. Ill her youthful days she was much inclined to 
the gayeties and fashions of the times, and in that situa- 
tion was married to our late deceased friend, William 
Cox, who soon after removed to this country, and set- 
tled within the verge of this meeting ; he being a dili- 
gent attender thereof, she gave up to accompany him, 
and became convinced of the principle of Truth, as pro- 
fessed by Friends ; being some time after received among 
them, she became an exemplary member. About the 
39th year of her age, she was called to the ministry^ 
and for a number^ of years, her words were few and 
pathetic ; she, however, grew in her gift, and with the 
concurrence of her friends, visited many of the meetings 
in the neighboring province; and a few years back, a 
general one in company with our friend, Mary Husband, 
to Friends in the lower parts of Maryland and Virginia ; 
and so great was her zeal for the promotion of Truth, 
notwithstanding her age and impaired state of health, 
(her companions doubting her ability to perform,) she 
gave up to travel to those remote meetings, over the 
Alleghany mountains, and made a general visit to 
Friends there, often having meetings also among those 
of other societies, and was at times enabled to explain 
the principle of Truth, and tell to others what the Lord 
had done for her. 

After her return, she was very weak in body, yet 
often attended our meetings, even when hardly able to 
get to her seat, frequently bore lively testimonies among 
us, and her solid sitting was exemplary and instructive. 

She was careful to attend meetings, and encourage 
others to a like practice. She attended the Yearly 



12 

Meeting at Baltimore, in sixth month last, though by 
that time had become very feeble, but notwithstanding, 
was enabled to attend every sitting except one ; from 
thence she proceeded to Pipe Creek, and divers times 
attended their meetings, to the admiration of those who 
saw and knew her weak state ; she also visited some 
families. 

After her return, she expressed her sense of the good- 
ness of Divine Providence, in enabling her to perform 
the journey, which was accomplished with much diffi- 
culty ; and soon after, her disorder increasing, she was 
confined to her room, and passed through some deep 
baptisms, in which time some who sat by, inquiring 
how she felt, she answered, ^^ Oh ! if I could but feel 
what I could wish, and what I have heretofore felt, then 
I should have rest ; ^^ and fervently prayed that she 
might be shown whether her suffering was on her own 
account, or that of others, adding, if she could but find 
favor at last, and have without a doubt as heretofore, an 
evidence of eternal peace, she should be satisfied. The 
next day she movingly broke forth with the following 
portion of Scripture — "Comfort ye, comfort ye my 
people, saith your God ; speak ye comfortably to Jeru- 
salem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, 
that her iniquity is pardoned, for she hath received of 
the Lord's hand, double for all her sins.'' And some 
time after further expressed, that the Lord had happily 
sealed her peace, and in thankful praises she rejoiced 
therein, and said, " Oh ! how sweet I feel ; I feel per- 
fectly easy — some poor souls are trying all their lives to 
get to Heaven, and how hard they find it ; whilst others 



13 

are at ease, and take little care about it;" adding, 
"those whom the Lord loveth, he chastiseth." Once, 
on eating a little bread, she said, " how many poor af- 
flicted ones I have given bread to; I could not see them 
want whilst in my power, which is now a great comfort 
to me ; '' and often expressed her concern for the youth, 
saying, " By whom shall Jacob arise, for he is very 
small ; " and dropped many lively exhortations to her 
children, friends and others, who came to visit her. 

On a number of friends being present, she said, " this 
is a trying time ; all things must appear clear;" add- 
ing, " we have often been favored together with that 
sweet uniting power of Truth, which was always pre- 
cious to me," At another time, after sitting in a solid 
frame of mind, she broke forth, saying, " Oh ! the love 
I feel that flows through Jesus Christ, which none can 
feel but those who believe in him." 

At another time, just before the close, being asked 
how she did, she answered, " Just going to enter the 
promised land ; " and to another who asked her, (when 
the disorder had got to a great height, it being a morti- 
fication,) if she was alarmed, she cheerfully answered, 
" Nay, I feel that, that triumphs over death, hell and 
the grave." She dropped many more comfortable and 
edifying expressions, not now particularly remembered. 

We have further to add, that she was a loving and 
faithful wife, a tender parent, a sympathising friend, and 
remarkably charitable to the poor. 

On the 15th day of 8th month, 1790, about nine 
in the evening, she quietly departed this life, without 
sigh or groan, (aged about 69 years, a minister about 



14 

30,) and on the 1 7th of the same, was interred in Friends' 
burying-ground at Deer Creek, accompanied by a great 
number of Friends and others, after which a meeting 
was held and attended witli a stillness and gravity well 
becoming the solemnity of the occasion. 

Read and approved at Deer Creek Monthly Meeting, 
held the 23d day of 12th month, 1790. 
Signed by order thereof, by 

JoHX Cox, Clerl:, 

Sakah Ely, Clerh at this time. 

Read and approved at our Quarterly Meeting, held 
at Baltimore, the 5th of 2d month, 1791 — and signed 
on behalf of the same. 

Joseph Toavnsend, ) ^. , 
Mary Peice, / ^'^^'^'^* 



A Memorial from Gu?ipoivder Monthly Meeting^ in Mary- 
land, concerning our esteemed friend, Susanna Brown, 
{loidow of our esteemed friend, William Brown, deceased.) 

She was born in 7th month, 1701, of religious 
parents, Jolin and Hannah Churchman, of Nottingham, 
in Pennsylvania; and in early life, through Divine 
goodness, was brought to the knowledge of the blessed 
truth. She was esteemed (in Philadelphia, where she 
and her husband resided a considerable time) a religious, 
useful woman in meetings for Discipline, and was there 
appointed to the station of an Elder, and several times 
travelled in company with Women Friends of the min- 
istry, to different parts of this continent. 



15 

In her pilgrimage through time, she witnessed no 
small share of adversity, especially under the infirmities 
of old age, within the last twelve years of her life ; yet 
it appears to those who knew her, that after her eye-sight 
failed, and her bodily strength was much reduced, the 
power of true religion preserved her lively in her in- 
tellectual faculties, and enabled her to show an in- 
structive pattern of meekness, patience, resignation, and 
extensive love to her fellow-members, and. others, often 
intimating that she had a foretaste of that joy and hap- 
piness which crowns the latter end of the redeemed, and 
only waited the Lord's time to be released from her en- 
feebled mortal state, to participate thereof with others 
who were gone before. 

Towards the conclusion of her time, she appeared to 
have a clear sense that her departure drew near ; and 
the morning of her decease expressed in a broken, ten- 
der manner, her desires that her descendants and others 
might endeavor so to live, that when they came to a 
death-bed, they might be favored with the same clear 
prospect she then had of enjoying a state of rest and 
happiness forever. 

She quietly departed on the 25th of 8th month, 
1790, and was interred in Friends' burying-ground, at 
Little Falls Meeting House, in Harford County, the 
27th of the same, aged near 80 years. 

Signed in and on behalf of Gunpowder Monthly Meet- 
ing, held the of 1st month, 1791, by 



David Brown, ) ^, , 
EuTH Matthews, / ^^^^^^- 



16 

Read and approved at Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
held 5th day of 2d month, 1791. 



Joseph Towmsend, \ ^ij i. 
Maey Price, / ^^^^^^' 



Some account of our esteemed friend^ Philip Coale, late 
of Dee?' Creek, in Harford County, Maryland. 

He was son of vYilliam and Sarah Coale, and had an 
education among Friends ; but in his youthful days, not 
taking heed to the pure inward principle, he was led 
into undue liberties, which after a time being made able 
to condemn, he became a useful member of society, and 
after some years, was appointed to the station of an El- 
der, which he filled with a good degree of propriety ; 
and although he had to labor hard for outward support 
to a rising family, he was diligent in attending religious 
meetings, and other services relating to Church affairs. 
About two weeks before his decease, he was taken un- 
well, and underwent grievous bodily affliction with much 
fortitude of mind, till the last, often expressing his full 
resignation to the Divine will, and that death was no 
terror to him ; intimating that were it not for the care 
and concern he felt for his dear wife and children, he 
should have a choice in leaving this troublesome world ; 
that in journeying through the wilderness thereof, he 
had witnessed tribulation, and often felt the briars and 
thorns ; adding, but this is my comfort, " It is through 
much tribulation we are to enter the kingdom." 

At divers times in his illness, he mourned on account 



17 

of th« declined state of our Society, and often cried out 
in language similar to that of the prophet, '^ Oh ! that 
my head were waters and my eyes a fountain of tears, 
that I might weep day and night for the slain and 
wounded among the children of my people/' He like- 
wise expressed much concern for active members in our 
Society, that they might labor individually to fill up 
their different stations with propriety; that many might 
be thereby enabled to "cry aloud and spare not;'' to 
lift up their voices like trumpets in warning the neg- 
ligent and disobedient, in order to be fully clear in dis- 
charge of duty towards them, whether they would hear 
or forbear. He often repeated the gracious invitation 
of the Most High, " Come unto me, all ye ends of the 
earth, and be ye saved ; " and expressed the danger 
there is where people get to think something of them- 
selves, and fond of running unprepared to do what they 
are not bidden ; adding, that nothing of self should ever 
appear, either in our meetings for worship or discipline. 
His concern appeared weighty on account of the man- 
agenjent of Discipline in the Church, saying, that all 
disorders should be taken notice of timely, wn'thout neg- 
ligence or partiality in any case, in order that the 
Church may be cleansed and kept wholesome, that no 
occasion of stumbling may be ministered to the honest 
inquirers ; and on account of the young generation 
among Friends, his concern was remarkable, especially 
for such of those of the meeting he belonged to, who 
manifest a libertine disposition, earnestly desiring a 
faithful discharge of duty might be timely exercised 
towards all such. He uttered many other lively sen- 



18 . 

fences not here noted, expressive of his zeal for the good 
cause, and his care for the well-being of individuals. 
About three days before his departure, he desired his 
children to be called into the room where he lay, and gave 
them very close and pertinent counsel ; charging them 
to mind their dear mother's advice, and his, then given, 
as from dying lips, with the counsel of their concerned 
friends, whenever necessary, after he was gone, exhorting 
them never to slight the counsel intended for their 
benefit, as some had done ; then adding, he had faith to 
believe they would be provided for. His tender wife 
being at that time much affected, he spoke to her with 
a pleasant countenance, and said nearly thus : " Oh I 
my love, I wanted to tell thee, that although my bodily 
affliction is great, I rejoice in my pains ; they bring me 
nearer to my God, and for that reason I rejoice/' After 
this, he often cried out with melody and fervency of 
spirit, " My Lord and my God ; " and to some near 
friends that were present, looking pleasantly at them^ 
he said, " My dear hearts, you do not know how sweet 
you all feel to me ; I am wrapt up in the bundle of love 
and life; oh! how I long to feel more fully, the pre- 
cious love and unity that is among the saints in heaven.'^ 
At another time he said, " I can sing the song of Moses 
and the Lamb, upon Mount Zion." In this manner he 
continued while his strength and faculties remained; 
the last words he was understood to express, were: 
'' Oh ! Lord, deliver me out of all my troubles ; " 
shortly after which he seemed to go into a sound sleep, 
and departed without sigh, groan or struggle, on the 
8th day of 4th month, 1791, about the 63d year of 



19 

his age ; and we have no doubt of his being entered 
into the full fruition of that joy, of which he had so 
lively a sense or foretaste. 

Signed in and on behalf of Deer Creek Monthly 
Meeting, held the 26th of the 1st month, 1792, and di- 
rected to be forwarded to the Quarterly Meeting. 

John Cox, Clerh 

Read in Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, the 4th of 
2d month, 1792, and referred to the Meeting for Suf- 
ferings. 

John Cox, Cley^h. 



The Memorial of Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, concertiing 
our friend, Hannah Matthews, an Elder, late loife of 
Oliver Mattheivs. 

She was a diligent attender of meetings for worship 
and Discipline ; was often employed in the services of 
the Church, and her innocent, quiet deportment, ren- 
dered those services acceptable. She was at times fa- 
vored with a word of encouragement to the humble 
travellers, and her heart, as well as house, were open to 
receive her friends. 

She divers times travelled as a companion to Friends 
engaged in the ministry; was frequently employed in 
visiting families within the compass of our Monthly 
Meeting, which services appear to have been performed 
to tlie satisfaction of Friends. 

She was a good example in her family, watching over 
her children, while under her care, to keep them in 



20 

plainness and out of corrupt company ; endeavoring to 
excite in parents and heads of families, a liiie concern ; 
admonishing the j^outh to obey their parents in the 
Lord; expressing desires that they might begin the 
work of true religion, while young, and not put it off — 
the author of which had been the staff of her life all the 
day long, and had supported her through many close 
trials. Although her outward faculties decreased to- 
wards the decline of life, yet a lively, innocent sweet- 
ness attended her mind to her close, which was on 
the 15th of 11th month, 1791, and on the 17th of 
the same was interred in Friends' burying-ground, at 
Gunpowder Meeting House, in the 64th year of her 
age. 

Read and approved at Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, 
held the 28th of 7th month, 1792, and signed by 
direction of the same, by 

David Brown, 



Ruth Matthews, ^ 



3WS, J 



The foregoing Memorial was read in Baltimore 
Quarterly Meeting, held the 4th of 8th month, 1792, 
and directed to be forwarded to the Meeting for Suf- 
ferings. 

John Cox, 1 ^, , 
Mary Rice, / ^^^^^*- 



A Testimony from York 2Ionthly Meeting, concerning our 
esteemed friend^ Elisha Kirk, deceased. 

The remembrance of our beloved friend remains as 
a good savour on many minds. 



21 

He was born in East Cain, Chester County, Pennsyl- 
vania, on the 25th of 12th month, 1757, of exem- 
plary parents, Caleb and Elizabeth Kirk, and by at- 
tending to the visitation with which he was favored, 
almost in his infancy, he became an early example of 
piety, and continuing faithful, received a gift in the 
ministry, in which he appeared about the 20th year of 
his age, and through humble attention to Divine light, 
experiencing a growth, was enabled to divide the words 
aright, and minister to the comfort and edification of 
the Churches. 

Although industrious in his outward calling, he did 
not permit worldly concerns to hinder from the at- 
tendance of meetings, or other religious services, being 
skilful in maintaining our Christian Discipline, and was 
favored with much place in treating with those who 
had deviated from the paths of truth. His exemplary 
conduct, and strict justice in his dealings, was a 
striking proof of his love for the reputation of society, 
and gained the esteem of most that knew him. With 
the concurrence of friends at home, he visited most of 
the meetings in North Carolina and New England, was 
frequently engaged in visiting families, and very useful 
therein. He was an aifectionate husband, a careful 
parent and faithful friend, and his sympathy towards 
those in difficult circumstances, was evident. 

His constitution for several years was weakly, but 
in 9th month, 1787, he was afflicted with a disorder 
which continued changeable till 12th month, after 
which it appeared to be the consumption, and, for the 
most part, confined him to his chamber. 



22 

In the forepart of his illness^ he expressed himself 
much tried with a state of poverty of spirit, yet appeared 
patient and resigned, waiting in humility for renewed 
refreshment, which, in due season, he was favored to 
experience, and having his heart filled with gratitude 
and thankfulness for the favor he received, was enabled 
to praise that great name he had learned to love, we 
believe above all worldly considerations — with com- 
posure of mind — giving directions about his outward 
affairs, and would cheerfully speak of his change. 

On the 5th of 4th month, 1790, after lying very 
still and sleeping, his brother sitting near, when he 
awoke he took him by the hand, and said with great 
composure, and in an awful frame of mind, " I believe 
I am going.'' His brother replied, " thou art not afraid 
to go?" he answered, ^' No; " adding, "I am so filled 
with joy and sweetness, I cannot forbear shedding tears," 
and continued in a sensible, weighty frame of mind, as 
if waiting for his change, often saying, ^^I am going in 
peace." On the 11th of the month, many friends coming 
into his chamber, he took leave of them in an affectionate 
manner, and raising his voice, said, '^ Let all be faithful 
to the precious gift the Lord has bestowed on them ; " 
after which, lying still for some time, continuing sen- 
sible, near the 8th hour in the evening, he quietly de- 
parted this life ; and on tiie 13th, his corpse, attended 
by a large concourse of Friends and others, was interred 
in Friends' burying-ground, in York, in the 33d year 
of his age, and the 13th of his ministry; and we doubt 
not he is a partaker of that joy which crowns the labors 
of the faithful. 



23 

Read and approved in York Monthly Meeting, held 

the 8th day of 8th month, 1792, and signed on behalf 

thereof. 

Ambrose Updegraff, Clerh, 

Read in Warrington Quarterly Meeting, held the 

27th of 8th month, 1792, and directed to be forwarded 

to the Yearly Meeting. 

Joel Wright, Clerh, 



A Memorial of York Monthly Meeting, held the 7th of 
Sth month, 1793, concerning our beloved friend, William 
Matthews, deceased. 

According to his own account, he was born in Staf- 
ford County, Virginia, the 19th of 6th month, 17S2, 
of exemplary parents, William and Mary Matthews, of 
whose care he was early deprived, his father dying when 
he was about seven years old, and his mother when he 
was about fifteen. Notwithstanding he was thus left, 
he was, through Divine favor, gradually brought for- 
ward into usefulness in the Church, being concerned for 
the increase of universal righteousness and peace amongst 
mankind. About the 23d year of his age, he appeared 
in the ministry, and for some time grew in his gift, and 
gave convincing evidence of a heavenly call ; yet after- 
wards meeting with losses, and becoming reduced to 
difficult circumstances, he passed through a state of dis- 
couragement, under which he was mostly silent; being, 
however, preserved in the patience, laboring to have 
everything removed which obstructed the offering his 



24 

gift with acceptance, he was, after some time, through 
gracious regard, enabled to accomplish that desirable 
end ; and by humble attention and faithful obedience to 
the openings of Truth, he became powerful in doctrine, 
and eminent in our Christian Discipline, in the pro- 
motion of which he was extensively useful ; his judg- 
ment being sound and penetrating, his conversation edi- 
fying and instructive; being also endued with right 
qualifications to comfort the weak, strengthen the feeble- 
minded, and powerfully warn and reprove the unruly. 

Much of his time was dedicated to the promotion of 
the cause of truth, and with the unity of Friends, he 
visited most of the meetings on this continent, and spent 
several years in religious labors among Friends, and 
others, in different parts of Europe ; which, by accounts 
received, was truly edifying and acceptable. 

After his return, he gradually declined in health, but 
was enabled to perform several visits to the neighboring 
meetings, when under great weakness of body, thereby 
manifesting a concern for the promulgation of the Gos- 
pel. At length, being confined to his chamber, he 
dropped many solid remarks, some of which were as 
follows : " As I have for many years past, been uneasy 
with the great pains and expense taken by Friends, as 
well as others, in making coffins to inter the dead, which 
appear to me superfluous and extravagant, my desire is 
that mine may be made of either pine or poplar, without 
ridge or moulding, but quite plain.'^ Some time after- 
ward, he informed that he had kept notes of his travels, 
for his own satisfaction, but had no desire they should 
be made public, and on looking over them, and re- 



25 

membering the gracious help he had experienced to 
discharge what appeared to be required of him, he had 
been encouraged to press forward ; and though the re- 
marks he sometimes made might appear to some as too 
censorious, yet he believed our Society, as well as others, 
suffered loss by a floating ministry, that hath a tendency 
to lead the mind from inward humble waiting upon the 
pure gift, and many could bear testimony that it had 
been his care, both by precept and example, to promote 
silent waiting, having often been much concerned on 
account^of so many words amongst Friends. 

In a time of great bodily weakness, he expressed a 
desire that soon after his change. Friends in Europe 
might be informed thereof, and his very affectionate 
love remembered to them, believing this language to be 
proper — '^ In my bonds and afflictions have I begotten 
you in the Gospel of our Lord, through Jesus Christ ;" 
as many of them could testify that he had been instru- 
mental, through mercy, in "turning them from dark- 
ness to light, and from under the power of Satan to 
serve the living God." "It was," said he, "the Lord's 
doing, and marvellous in mine eyes" — adding, "It is 
remarkable that my mind hath, for several days past, 
been much in Europe, and seemed to pass along to 
almost all the meetings I was at, remembering how it 
was with me at most of them." At another time, sev- 
eral friends coming into his room, he said, " I feel my 
mind covered with a degree of reverent thankfulness to 
the Lord for all his tender mercies to me, even from my 
youth ; he has snatched me as a brand from the burn- 
ing, and has been with me in heights and in depths, and 



26 

although it has pleased him to brmg me clown as iuto 
the valley of Achor, yet he has opened a door of hope 
from thence." Adding, " I feel the same degree of ani- 
mating love for my friends that ever I did, but I have 
been led into a line that has cut me off from flattery and 
applause — yet I never found any true or solid peace in 
anything, but in being faithful to God and man ; '^ and 
further said, he had a comfortable hope that when these 
slight afilictions were over, all would be well. At 
another time he lamented that any who had been favored, 
should become familiar with those who were enemies of 
the cross of Christ, as he saw a danger attending it, and 
of weakness ensuing. 

After a time of great bodily affliction, a friend coming 
in, he said, " this has been a hard night and day so far, 
but I believe I shall not have many more, and it mat- 
ters not how few, if I am but found of that happy 
number whose works have been such that they shall be 
pronounced blessed ; but I find it to be a great work to 
be thoroughly sanctified in body, soul and spirit." 

On taking leave of one of his sisters, (two others 
being present,) he said, " I esteem it a great favor, that 
I feel my mind much weaned from all things here 
below, and the natural part in me much subdued, yet I 
feel you near to me, not only in an outward relationship, 
but through the grace and goodness of the Lord, we 
have been united together in the one spirit, baptised 
with the same baptism, into the one body, and drank 
together of the same spiritual fountain." 

At another time, a few Friends coming into his room, 
silence was experienced to cover with incomes of ten- 



27 

deriiig love for a short space ; he then expressed that 
he often thought since he had lain there, though in 
great bodily pain and distress, that he had great cause 
to be thankful in feeling his mind in such a quiet, so 
resigned, and no ways anxious about the event ; al- 
though at times it appeared a very awful thing to be 
placed in a state never more to change; yet at such 
times he said he felt an humble trust that he should be 
received into the place of rest and peace prepared for all 
the Lord's depending children — not for any merit of 
his, for all that he had done in promoting Truth and 
Righteousness in the earth, was the Lord's work. Add- 
ing, " we have been baptised together into the unity of 
the one spirit, which the world, and those who live in 
the spirit of it, know not/' 

The day before his departure, he said, '^ Those who 
put off the great and necessary work of the soul's sal- 
vation, and conclude it is time enough when on a sick 
bed, will find themselves much mistaken, unless it is 
through adorable mercy indeed." 

An intimate friend taking leave of him, he expressed 
a love for Friends^ and that he was thankful he felt it 
so ; after repeating what directions he had given re- 
specting his burial, he expressed a desire that the good 
hand that had been with him all his life long, might 
continue to be with him to the end ; — which we believe 
was mercifully granted. 

He quietly departed on the 7th of 5th month, 1792, 

in the 60th year of his age, and was interred on 

the 9th of the same, in Friends' burying-ground, in 

York Town, his corpse being attended by a large num- 

3 



28 

ber of Friends and others, after wliich a solemn meeting 
was held. 

Signed in and on behalf of our aforesaid meeting, by 

Eli Kirk, Clerh. 

The foregoing Testimony was read and approved in 
Warrington Quarterly Meeting, held the 26th of 8th 
month, 1793, and directed to be forwarded to the Meet- 
ing for Sufferings. 

Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, 

Joel Wright, Clerh, 



A Memorial from Westland Monthly Meeting, in Wash- 
ington County, Pennsylvania, concerning William 
Wilson. 

He was born in Kent County, in the State of Dela- 
ware, in the year 1739, and was received into member- 
ship with Friends at Duck Creek Monthly Meeting, 
wliere he continued until the year 1781, when he re- 
moved and settled with his family within the verge of a 
meeting held at Westland, being the only one then held 
west of the Alleghany mountains. He was, by certifi- 
cate, well recommended to Hopewell Monthly Meeting, 
and a few years after, by that meeting appointed to the 
station of an Elder, in which he was preserved an ex- 
am])le of plainness and humility. 

He manifested a religious care for the support of good 
order among the few Friends then settled in these parts, 
and after meetings for Discipline were established, he 



29 

was very serviceable in them, which, with other meet- 
ings, he diligently attended, a good example, in bringing 
his family with him, careful not to let his outward af- 
fairs hinder him from what he believed to be his re- 
ligious duty, yet was industrious and careful in pro- 
viding for the necessary support of his family. 

Towards the latter end of 6th month, 1795, he was 
taken ill of a nervous disorder, and on the 26th of 
the same month, (though through difficulty,) he attended 
Redstone Monthly Meeting, where he earnestly recom- 
mended Friends to faithfulness in the support of our 
Christian Discipline. 

The like concern accompanied his mind the day fol- 
lowing, at our own Monthly Meeting, which he was 
favored to sit, until the close, and was the last meeting 
he was enabled to attend, being soon after confined to 
his room. 

To a few friends who came to see him on the 5th of 
7th month, he expressed himself to the following im- 
port : '^ Whether I am to be taken from you at this 
time, or not, I cannot tell ; nor is it any concern to me; 
all seems quiet and easy, unless I am deceived ; and I 
hope my Master will be so kind as not to let me be de- 
ceived. As I have passed some of the late wearisome 
nights, I have been looking over some of the past ac- 
tions of my life, and the situation of many of my friends, 
and I think I have been favored to see the states of some 
more clear than ever I did in all my life ; and oh ! the 
world, seems to have a greater hold on our Society 
than anything else; the unprofitable pursuit and desire 
after its wealth and treasures, does sorrowfully obstruct 



30 

the growth and progress of true reJigion in some, 
especially those who are favored with the brightest 
talents/^ Some time after, several others coming in, his 
son asked him whether he thought so much company 
hurt him ; he replied, " I don't know that it does much, 
if Friends keep still and quiet, according to the nature 
of the occasion; I have often thought how careful 
Friends should be in such cases, yet there is a use to the 
poor afflicted spirit, in Friends going to see one another 
in their afflictions." He was preserved in great com- 
posure and quietude of mind, plainly evidencing that 
the thoughts of death, which he apprehended was ap- 
proaching, was no terror to him, being often favored to 
communicate suitable advice and counsel to those who 
visited him, showing that the ardor of his mind for the 
welfare of his fellow-creatures, was unabated in this 
awful season. 

On the 8th of the aforesaid month, he appeared par- 
ticularly concerned for his children, and towards eve- 
ning, having them collected, had a solid opportunity 
with them, earnestly desiring that they might be pre- 
served within the bounds of true moderation and plain- 
ness, submitting to the Gospel order of our Society, as 
Truth requires; with much suitable advice for their 
present and future welfare ; at the close taking a solemn 
farewell ; — and then said to an affectionate sister who 
attended him : " I have done — done with this world, 
and feel perfectly easy." 

The night following, through the severity of the dis- 
order, he became somewhat delirious, and growing 
gradually weaker, continued much in a child-like state 



31 

until the morning of the 15th, when he quietly departed 
this life, in the 56th year of his age, and on the 16th, 
was interred in Friends' burying-ground, at Westland. 
Given forth by our aforesaid Meeting, held the 22d of 
8th month, 1795, and signed on behalf thereof, by 

Thomas Farquhar, Clerh. 

The above Memorial being produced to Fairfax 
Quarterly Meeting, held the 5th of 10th month, 1795, 
was read, and upon deliberation, was approved and 
directed to be signed on behalf of said meeting, and 
forwarded. 

James Moore, Clerh 



A Testiynony from Monallan Monthly Meeting^ in Pennsyl- 
vania, concerning our beloved friend, Isaac Everitt, 
deceased. 

He was born in Nottingham, Chester County, Penn- 
sylvania, the 17th day of 12th month, 1737; and 
removed, when young, with his parents, who settled 
about twelve miles from Pipe Creek Meeting, in Mary- 
land, which Meeting he, through considerable difficulty, 
attended, often going on foot, and underwent some very 
close trials and exercises of mind, on a religious account, 
but being preserved in a good degree faithful to the dis- 
coveries of light, he became a conqueror through faith. 
In the year 1761, being entered into a married state, 
he removed and settled within the verge of Huntingdon 
Meeting, now a branch of this Meeting, where he re- 



32 . 

sided until his decease. About the 20th year of his 
age, he appeared in the ministry, and abiding under the 
humbling baptisms of Christ, he experienced a growth, 
until he became an eminent minister of the Gospel ; 
being, like the good Scribe, frequently enabled to bring 
forth out of the treasury, things new and old ; in the 
exercise of his gift, he was often favored to speak to the 
states of others, in a very instructive and edifying 
manner. 

He was truly serviceable in our meetings for Disci- 
pline, carefully manifesting a disposition not to prefer 
his own judgment to that of his friends. From his 
youth, his steady and exemplary conduct in the attend- 
ance of our religious meetings, was highly worthy of 
imitation. 

He several times, with the concurrence of his brethren 
at home, visited most of the meetings of Friends in 
Pennsylvania, and a considerable number of those in 
Maryland and Virginia; and in the years 1789 and 
1790, he performed a religious visit to Friends in the 
New England States, and that of New York ; and about 
a year before his decease, he visited the meetings of 
Friends in the Jerseys, and some of those in New York, 
producing, at his return from these visits, accounts from 
Friends, expressive of his labors among them having 
been to general satisfaction. 

For several years of the latter part of his life, he 
labored under various bodily infirmities, which made 
travelling very afflictive; and in the latter end of 
7th month last, was taken with a complicated disorder, 
which settling on his lungs, rendered him incapable of 



33 

much communication, but appeared through the course 
of his sickness, to be favored with a quiet mind, entirely 
resigned — manifesting no anxiety concerning the event. 
He several times before he was taken with his last ill- 
ness, expressed, that he believed his day's work was 
nearly done ; and a few days before his departure, said 
that his will was taken away, and that he had no desire 
to be raised again. 

He quietly departed this life, on the 4th of 8th 
month, in the year 1801, aged about 64 years — a min- 
ister about 44 — and was interred in Friends' burying- 
ground, at-Huntingdon, the 5th of the same — after which 
a solemn meeting was held. 

Signed by direction and on behalf of our aforesaid 
Meeting, held the 19th of 5th month, 1802. 

Isaac Pearson, Clerh 

The foregoing Testimony being read in our Quarterly 
Meeting, held at Warrington the 23d of 8th month, 
1802, was approved and signed in and on behalf 
thereof, by 

Amos Farqtjhar, Clerh. 



A Testimony from Hopeiuell Monthly Meeting^ concerning 
our esteemed friend, Martha Mendenhall, deceased. 

She was born the 14th of 2d month, 1713, and 
called to the work of the ministry in the 19th year of 
her age, being diligent in the attendance of meet- 
ings, both for Worship and Discipline, and humbly at- 



34 

tentive to the pointings of Truth ; in the exercise of her 
gift, she became an able minister of the Gospel, and 
sometimes visited the meetings of Friends in other parts 
of this continent. She was often enabled in the decline 
of life, and even about a week before her departure, to 
communicate to the consolation of those present, her 
testimony being sound and edifying. She was a tender 
parent, a nursing mother in Israel, being humble and 
meek in deportment, she was beloved by most who 
knew her. Her iUness was short, in which she several 
times expressed her desire to be unclothed of mortality, 
and that she was satisfied she had not her day's work to 
do. A few moments before her departure, she was 
lieard to say, " This is the happiest day I ever expe- 
rienced ; now. Father, thou art come ; I have been look- 
ing for thee all this day ''— then quietly departed this 
life, on the 28th day of 10th month, 1794, in the 
82d year of her age — a minister about 62 years — and 
was next day interred in Friends' burying-ground at 
Tuscarora. 

Signed in and on behalf of the above Meeting, held 
by appointment the 25th of 9th month, 1797. 

James Mexdenhall, Clerh at this time. 

Phebe Steer, Clerk. 

The within Memorial was read and approved in our 
Quarterly Meeting, held at Fairfax, the 2d day of 
10th month, 1797. 

Signed by order thereof, 

James Moore, Clerk. 



35 

Some account of the last sickness, expressions and death, of 
EuTH Walton, icife of Benjamin Walton, of Pike Bun 
Township, Washington County, and State of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

She was confined about six months, with a compli- 
cation of painful disorders, which she endeavored to bear 
with patience. In the'forepart of her sickness, she ex- 
pressed to some friends, who had a favored opportunity 
with her and family, a concern which had often been on 
her mind, and especially of late, that Friends might 
transact their Church business in the life, and avoid all 
forms that did not add weight to the cause; and she 
was particularly exercised about the manner of some 
Preparative Meetings answering the queries^ which she 
thought was in too easy, formal a way, and the meeting 
did not get down into a close inspection of its state ; so 
that where deficiencies were found, care might be taken 
to have them removed. 

She in an affectionate manner, expressed to her hus- 
band, a few weeks before her death, that she thought 
her stay with him would not be long ; and that she had 
found it to be a great thing to be wholly weaned from 
the world ; yet she fully believed that when she went, 
she should go in innocency. 

She manifested a care during her confinement, not to 
express more of her state of mind, or assurance of future 
peace, than she sensibly felt ; though when inquired of, 
she gave full satisfaction in that respect, in a modest 
way. 

She dictated a letter to such of her children w^ho were 



36 

married, and settled at a distance, wherein she mani- 
fested a desire, that their affections might be so weaned 
from the things of time, as to make suitable preparation 
for eternity ; and that they might attend to this im- 
portant business whilst in health, and be ready to wait 
on the pains of the body, when brought to such a time 
as had then fallen to her lot. 

She was very much concerned for her children who 
were unmarried ; tenderly and pressingly exhorting them 
to plainness and sobriety. Her care was not altogether 
confined to her own ; but she took opportunities to 
communicate to others, what impressed her mincj con- 
cerning them. 

At one time, she had her present children called to 
her, and expressed to tliem, and several other friends, to 
the following import, which she afterwards desired might 
be spread amongst Friends, viz : — 

" Having my mind gathered inward, and viewing 
time near and close, and eternity at hand, I heard a 
voice intelligible to mine inward ear, saying, call in thy 
sons and thy daughters, and tell them I have no pleasure 
in prodigal sons and daughters, or haughty sons and 
daughters; tell them that I loath all these; and the 
cause appeared plain to my understanding, why they 
were called prodigal, and haughty sons and daughters ; 
and it was thus said — they run on in their own wills, 
and do not ask counsel of me, nor of them whom I have 
placed as counsellors ; but have chosen their own ways, 
and run out into the vain and foolish fashions of the 
world, the sons in their prodigal dress, and the daughters 
in their short waists, and round head-dress ; these things 



37 

I feel the Lord^s controversy to be against ; these things 
have lain heavy on my mind for several days, but 
through the Lord's tender mercy, I have been abilitated 
to relieve my mind towards my dear children, now 
present ; but I feel the concern to extend further, havmg 
observefl with sorrow of heart. Friends' children pur- 
suing the vanity of dress, and some of the dear babes 
trained up in it; for .these things my heart mourns. 
Oh ! parents, what are you about ? Know assuredly, that 
inquisition for blood will be made; what will you 
answer the Lord when it is demanded of you, what have 
you done with those tender lambs committed to your 
care ? I desire that every class may be aroused to con- 
sider these things, that they may know what they shall 
answer when they are called to an account, and in a 
particular manner, the Elders, and all the watchmen 
and watch women to w^honi the care of the flock is com- 
mitted. Oh ! saith my soul, that you, through a faith- 
ful discharge of duty, may render np your accounts with 
joy, and not with grief." 

She departed this life (we believe) in a sweet frame 
of mind, the 2d of 6th month, 1805, in the 61st 
year of her age, and was interred in Friends' graveyard, 
at Pike Run, after which a solemn meeting was held. 

Signed on behalf of Westland Monthly Meeting, held 
the 24th of 8th month, 1805, by 

Thomas Farquhar, Clerh, 

At Redstone Quarterly Meeting, held at Westland, 
the 2d day of 9th month, 1805, the above Memorial 



38 

was read, approved, and directed to be forwarded to the 
Meeting for Sufferings. 

Signed on behalf of said Meeting, by 

Thomas Farquhar, Clerh 



A Testimony from Pipe Creek Monthly Meeting, in Mary- 
land, held the \Wi of Sth motith, 1806, concerning our 
esteemed frie?id, Anthony Poultney, deceased. 

He was a steady, exemplary Elder, a meek and 
peaceable man, who had rather suffer wrong than con- 
tend for worldly interest ; much concerned for the pro- 
motion of the cause of Truth and Righteousness in the 
earth ; a worthy example of Christian patience, under 
many years of great bodily affliction ; remarkable in at- 
tention to, and sympathy with the sick and afflicted, 
and very tender and humane to the animal creation. 

He departed this life the 25th of 7th month, 1805, 
aged about 53 years. 

Signed on behalf of our said Meeting, by 

Thomas Russel, Ch^k 

Read and approved at Warrington Quarterly Meet- 
ing, held the 25th of 8th month, 1806. 
Signed by order of said Meeting, by 

Isaac Pearson, Clerk, 



39 

The Memorial of Indian Spring Monthly Meeting^ con- 
cerning Mary Brooke, deceased. 

This our beloved friend, was born near Monocacy, 
in Maryland, in the year 1734. She was very early 
deprived of the advantages of parental guardianship, 
and instruction, by the decease of her parents ; but seek- 
ing to become acquainted with the teachings of Him 
who is declared by the royal Psalmist, to be the " Father 
of the fatherless," she found him to be indeed her 
" Helper ; " so that when young, she witnessed, to her 
inexpressible comfort, many precious seasons of Divine 
communion, particularly between the ages of eighteen 
and twenty-one years, most of which time she resided 
in North Carolina, where she encountered great diffi- 
culties and hardships in getting to the meetings of 
Friends. These seasons of favor and confirmation, she 
has been heard in her advanced age, pathetically and 
gratefully to commemorate in her public addresses to 
the youth. Returning from Carolina to Monocacy, 
about her 21st year, she very soon afterwards appeared 
in the ministry, to the satisfaction of her friends; and 
in her 24th year, in company with Sarah Janney, John 
Hough, and her brother William Matthews, performed 
an acceptable religious visit to all the families consti- 
tuting Fairfax Monthly Meeting, at that time very 
large, and the members widely dispersed. In the same 
year, she was married to Roger Brooke, of Sandy Spring 
Particular Meeting, in Maryland, where she continued 
to reside the remainder of her life. For several years 
after her marriage, her services in the ministry were 
4 



40 

confined principally within the limits ot the Quarterly 
Meeting to which she belonged, though she occasionally 
visited some other meetings in Maryland, Virginia and 
Pennsylvania. During the revolutionary war, she ex- 
perienced many very trying seasons, which she was fa- 
vored to pass through with such a degree of prudence 
and patient resignation, as obtained the respect and admi- 
ration of her friends and acquaintances. Nearly the 
whole of this period, her lips were sealed as to minis- 
terial service ; but after these proving dispensations had 
passed over, her public appearances again became fre- 
quent, to the gteat satisfaction of her friends ; sometimes 
visited neighboring meetings — and in the year 1793, in 
company with her sister, Margaret Elgar, she visited 
most of the meetings in Virginia, and shortly after, with 
the same friend, nearly all the meetings of Friends in 
New Jersey, and a considerable number in the States of 
New York and Pennsylvania. She was afterwards en- 
gaged in visiting the families of Friends composing 
Baltimore and Fairfax Monthly Meetings. The en- 
dorsements on the certificates and minutes, which she 
obtained for these purposes, uniformly expressed the 
satisfaction of the visited, with her Gospel labors. 

As to our own knowledge of her qualifications as a 
minister, we may say, that her communications were 
seldom large, but the matter generally appropriate, and 
the delivery thereof accompanied with such life and 
sweetness, as rendered her appearance both impressive 
and acceptable. The tenor of her life also demonstrated, 
that she did not place her exclusive reliance on precept 
and theory, for inculcating the interesting truths of the 



41 

Gospel, but was careful to adorn tlie doctrines she de- 
livered, by a strict adherence to the practical duties of 
religion, and to support a conduct correspondent with 
her profession, by which she became a shining example 
to the Christian traveller. 

The influence of religion on her temper, which pro- 
duced an innocent cheerfulness in her life and conver- 
sation, greatly endeared her to a large circle of ac- 
quaintance, and in a particular manner to her own 
family, in the management of which, she eminently 
possessed the desirable talent of so blending authority 
with endearment, as in a good degree to restrain their 
wanderings, while she secured their affections, whereby 
she so entirely obtained the confidence of her offspring, 
that from their youth even to advanced age, her society 
was to them an enjoyment, her breast the repository 
of their secrets, and her advice their resource in diffi- 
culties. 

We believe few have performed the pilgrimage of 
life, who have more amply discharged their several 
duties to their Maker, to their families, and to their 
fellow-creatures at large, from youth to old age, than 
this much endeared friend ; and having, as we believe, 
*^ fought the good fight," she has now finished her course, 
and we doubt not, has received a crown of righteousness. 
May this consideration prove an incitement to us, who 
are yet permitted to remain on the stage of action, so to 
imitate her example, walking " by the same rule,'' and 
minding " the same things," that we also may, in the 
end, look with humble confidence to the same Divine 
source for an everlasting reward. She departed this 



42 

life, after a short but painful illness, in great resignation, 

the 25th day of 4th month, 1808, in the 73d year 

of her age, and was interred in Friends' burying-ground 

at Sandy Spring, the 26th day of the same month. 

Signed on behalf of Indian Spring Monthly Meeting, 

held at Sandy Spring, the 21sfc day of 4th month, 

1809, by 

Roger Brooke, 1 a, , , 
Deborah Thomas, j 

Read and approved at Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 

held the 8th of 5th month, 1809, and signed on behalf 

thereof. 

William Ken worthy, \ >->/ t. 
Esther Townsend, / ^'^^'^*- 



A Testimony of Miami Quarterly Meeting, in the State of 
Ohio, concerning John Simpson, deceased. 

As the evening of the day of this our beloved friend, 
was closed, in this part of the country, we apprehended 
it proper for us to give some account of his labors and 
services, during the short period of his residence within 
the limits of this Quarter. 

After his arrival among us, in 8th month, 1810, 
and until nearly the conclusion of the following winter, 
he attended many meetings among Friends, and also ap- 
pointed meetings among other people, wherein he was 
made a channel through which flowed freely much 
salutary counsel and encouragement. In the 3d month 
following, he was taken with a severe illness, but re- 



43 

covered so as to be enabled to attend our Quarterly 
Meeting in 5th month, though under considerable 
bodily indisposition. On first day night, the 16th of 
6tli month, he uttered the following supplication : 
"Most Righteous Father, thou knowest that a tried 
remnant yet continue to love thee more than all things ; 
be pleased, therefore, to go with them and support them 
through the heights and through the depths, and the 
many trials that may be allotted to their portion. And 
enable them, O righteous Father, in every dispensation 
of thy love, in the sincerity of their hearts to ascribe 
unto thee, the honor and the glory, forever and for- 
everraore.'' 

His spirit was often engaged in prayer for the youth, 
once in particular, " that the Heavenly Father would 
be pleased to pour out of his Spirit upon sons, and upon 
daughters." And often invited those about him to 
come with him into the house of prayer, and pray with 
him and for him. A few days before his decease, he 
desired the following Testimony to be taken down in 
writing, and spread among Friends, as his last legacy. 
He remarked, that the nearer he drew to the close of his 
life, the plainer he saw, and the clearer evidence he 
had, that one of the greatest deceptions upon mankind, 
was the persuasion that they could be Christians with- 
out spiritual baptism ; and it was his earnest desire that 
they might not be deceived, but be willing to endure 
the baptism of Christ ; frequently repeating, " there is 
no other way, there is no other way." 

He often expressed that he had great peace of mind 
in having been obedient to what he believed to be his 



44 

Heavenly Father's will in coming to this Western 
country to finish his work ; that it crowned his evening 
with joy, though it tended to lay his body far from his 
near and dear connexions, to which he was resigned ; 
that he was glad he had returned to Waynesville, for 
he felt himself among his friends ; frequently saying, 
"I feel like one that has done his day's work. I have 
fought the good fight, and all is well — dust must re- 
turn to dust/' 

About half-past 12 o'clock on the morning of the 
30th of 8th month, 1811, he quietly departed this 
life; and on the morning of the 1st of 9th month, 
his body, attended by a large number of Friends, and 
others, was interred in Friends' burying-ground, at 
Waynesville, with a solemnity suitable to the occasion. 

Signed in and on behalf of the aforesaid Meeting, 
held the 9th of 5th month, 1812, by 

Benjamin Hopkins, Cleric, 



A Testimony from Gunpowder Monthly Meeting^ in Mary- 
land, concerning our friend and Elder in the Church, 
William Amos, deceased. 

This our dearly beloved friend, was born about the 
1st of 3d month, 1717, old style, and educated a 
member of the Episcopal Church. At the age of nine- 
teen years, it appears he was an officer in the militia, 
but whilst in that station, it was, through Divine mercy, 
opened to his understanding, that the kingdom of Christ 



45 

was a peaceable kingdom ; he, therefore, not conferring 
with flesh and blood, became obedient to the heavenlj 
vision, and resigned his office. 

His understanding being enlightened to behold the 
emptiness of all outward forms and ceremonies in re- 
ligious worship, he was often led into silent retirement; 
and apprehending his mind to be drawn to a certain 
place, then a forest, for the purpose of retirement on the 
first day of the week, he yielded thereto, and on the 
way was led to call on two others in his neighborhood, 
and invite them to accompany him — they consented, 
and continued regularly to meet with him ; in about six 
weeks, their number increased to nine persons. 

About this time, apprehending that they were united in 
faith and principle, with the profession of Friends, they 
concluded to apply to the Gunpowder Monthly Meet- 
ing, to be taken under its notice. They were received 
into membership by that Meeting, and a meeting house 
built, and a meeting settled by the name of Little Falls, 
where they had at first assembled. Before he had any 
acquaintance with Friends, he was summoned as a wit- 
ness, and required to take an oath, when he found him- 
self constrained to refuse, notwithstanding heavy pen- 
alties were threatened as the consequence; yet, being 
enabled patiently and steadfastly to bear his testimony, 
he was, after some time, discharged. 

In process of time, he also saw the inconsistency of 
supporting a ministry by hire ; and at one time stood 
almost, if not quite, alone in those parts, in refusing to 
pay the tax imposed for that purpose; and although 
this testimony exposed him to some close trials and suf- 



46 

ferings, yet he appears to liave faithfully maintained his 
integrity. 

He was also a zealous advocate in the cause of the 
oppressed descendants of the Africans, and one of the 
first to liberate those in his possession ; and after making 
this sacrifice to justice, labored in much love and ten- 
derness to induce others to do likewise. 
o Soon after he was received into membership, from the 
flowing of love and good will in his heart, he felt an 
engagement to impress his mind to invite others to 
become partakers of that inheritance which at times he 
had to experience in retirement ; often setting forth the 
benefits which attended those who humbly waited on 
the Lord. And as he grew in years, he grew in his 
gift, and became an able minister, it being evident that 
his love for the eternal good of mankind, increased with 
his years ; often repeating in his public Testimonies, 
that song of the angels to the shepherds, " Glory to God 
in the highest, on earth peace, good will towards men.'' 
Thus living in near unity with his friends, he was much 
employed in the service of the Church, and truly help- 
ful therein. 

Having earnestly labored for the good of his fellow- 
creatures, he often expressed the ardent desire of his 
mind to turn men from darkness to light, and from the 
power of Satan unto God; being himself an example of 
meekness, resignation, piety, benevolence and charity, 
whereby he secured the general esteem and good will of 
those who knew him. 

At the burial of his wife, which was but a few days 
before his departure, when a number of his friends and 



47 

neighbors were assembled on that occasion, as he lay on 
his bed, he delivered an awakening testimony, calling 
their attention in the most pressing and moving manner, 
to consider their latter end, that the joy of acceptance 
might be their consolation ; saying to a friend who in- 
quired how he was, ** my greatest desire is to be with 
my dear and suffering Lord." 

Thus our beloved friend, during the course of a very 
long life, continued to support the various testimonies 
which he was called to bear, to the edification and en- 
couragement of many. 

He departed this life on the 26th day of 2d month, 
1814, and was gathered as a shock of corn fully 
ripe, in the 97th year of his age, having been a minister 
about 70 years; and was decently interred in the family 
burying-place, attended by a large number of his friends 
and neighbors. 

Signed the 27th of 9th month, 1815, on behalf of 
the meeting aforesaid, by 

Thomas Scott, Clerh at this time. 

The foregoing Memorial was read and approved in 
our Quarterly Meeting, held at Baltimore the 5th of 8th 
month, 1816, 

Signed on behalf thereof, 

Philip E. Thomas, Clerk. 



48 

A Memorial from Monallan Monthly Meeting, in Pennsyl- 
vania, concerning Abel Thomas. 

As Memorials of the faithful, when deceased, may 
afford encouragement to survivors to follow their pious 
examples, we are engaged to give this short Testimony 
concerning our esteemed friend, Abel Thomas. 

He removed with his family, and settled within the 
verge of this meeting, in the year 1801, being by Exeter 
Monthly Meeting, recommended a Minister, in which 
station he labored as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ ; 
and having been taught in the school of Christ, he was 
often favored, like the good Scribe, to bring forth out of 
the treasury, things both "new and old" — and under 
the influence of his Heavenly Master, was enabled to 
preach the Gospel ; " not with enticing words of man's 
wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit, and of 
power,'' — appearing cautious not to presume to speak 
without assurance of necessity being laid upon him. He 
was often made willing to travel in truth's service, and 
visited nearly all the meetings of Friends on this con- 
tinent. Towards the latter part of his time, like one 
industriously engaged to perform his allotted portion 
of labor, he seldom missed one year without being out 
on a religious visit, evincing great firmness and per- 
severance in travelling, when he believed it was re- 
quired of him. 

He mentioned to a friend several months before his 
decease, that he believed his time in this world was 
nearly over; and a few days after his return from his 
last journey, he was confined at home, having been for 



49 

several years previous, increasingly afflicted with acute 
bodily pain, which he bore with becoming patience. 
During his last sickness, when capable of rational con- 
versation, he uttered some weighty remarks. 

At one time, in conversation with some friends in re- 
gard to the probability of his continuing here, he said : 
" The language that has run through my mind for some 
time past, has been, that by and by, I shall see that 
peaceful shore, when I shall be no more troubled.'^ 
And on taking leave of a friend, he said : " I am in great 
pain, and desire to be remembered by Friends, not as 
a forsaken soul, but as one that has hope in Jesus 
Christ.^^ 

He quietly departed this life, at his own habitation, 
the 21st day of 3d month, 1816, in the 79th year of 
his age. 

Signed on behalf of the aforesaid Meeting, held the 

22d day of 8th month, 1816. 

William Wright, ? p/ t. 
Hannah Garretson, ) ^^^^^^* 

Read in and approved by Warrington Quarterly 
Meeting, held the 26th of 8th month, 1816. 

Israel Howell, Cleric, 



A Memorial concerning Hannah Litle, deceased. 

The circumstances attending the removal of our 
valued friend, Hannah Litle, from this life, having 
furnished evidence (in addition to a cloud of witnesses 



50 

who have gone before her) of the all-sufficient power of 
redeeming love, we are induced, for the benefit of sur- 
vivors, to give some account of her deportment and 
usefulness, during her residence within the verge of 
Indian Spring Monthly Meeting. 

In the year 1800, she removed with her husband and 
six small children, from Philadelphia to the City of 
Washington, where there was no meeting, and but very 
few members of our Society. Her exertions to attend 
such meetings as were within her reach, and the practice 
at other times, of collecting her children into silent 
waiting on the first day of the week, we have no doubt, 
were attended with a blessing — and after a few years, 
a meeting was indulged, and ultimately established in 
Washington. 

About this time, she first appeared in the ministry ; 
her communications were frequently short, but generally 
sound and acceptable; and although her ministerial 
labors were principally confined within the limits of 
the Yearly Meeting of which she was a member, yet 
the humility with which her gift was exercised, endeared 
her to many amongst us, and contributed to enlarge her 
capacity for usefulness in tiie church. 

In turning our attention to a view of some other 
features of the Christian character, as exemplified in 
this our dear friend, her usefulness among the sick and 
afflicted was strikingly conspicuous. Her experience 
of the sustaining influence of religion, and a just esti- 
mate of the efficacy of a dependence upon its divine 
author, rendered her company and services peculiarly 
acceptable, as she was able to enter into sympathy with 



51 

the suftering and afflicted, and to administer appropriate 
consolation to their conditions. And whilst discharging 
these interesting services, opportunities were afforded for 
diffusing a knowledge of our principles, among an exten- 
sive circle of acquaintances, composed of the various 
ranks of the people with whom she associated ; and it 
is believed, that the degree of faithfulness with which 
she was enabled to support the testimonies which our 
Society profess, added much to the place she occupied in 
the minds of those who were not in membership with 
us. 

Though encompassed with many difficulties, she was 
favored to raise her children in a religious and circum- 
spect manner, and to impress their understandings with 
the unspeakable importance of an early and devoted 
attention to the dictates of the principle of truth in 
their own minds. 

As a human being, surrounded with those infirmities 
to which all are liable, we are not disposed to portray 
her character as having been without its frailties. Her 
own estimate of it was far different, as may be evinced 
by the following extract from one of her letters, written 
to a friend in the early part of her last illness : — " The 
€nd appears to be nigh, and the consideration that the 
talent, small as it is, has not been faithfully occupied, 
solemnly occurs." But as this impression (the obvious 
effect of the power of redemption) tended to humble 
her mind, she became sensible of an increase of the 
peaceable pursuits of righteousness, and was enabled to 
commemorate, with reverent thankfulness, the great and 
unmerited favors which had been dispensed to her — 
5 



52 

saying, " how much has been done for me I so much 
quietude of mind, accompanied with an expectation that 
I might soon pass away; but there is more suffering 
for me — I seem to have got back into the world." 

The time of Yearly Meeting having arrived, she 
appeared cheered with the prospect of seeing again 
many friends to whom she was affectionately attached : 
and said, there seemed to be something which bound 
her to this world until the Yearly Meeting was over. 
In the course of that week, several visits were made to 
her, to mutual comfort ; the result of one of these we 
feel disposed to recite. A remark was made to her by 
a friend, that it was an unspeakable favor that her mind 
was preserved in so much quietude and resignation, 
under the solemn circumstances in which she then was. 
Upon which she saiil, "My heart bows in humble 
gratitude to the great source of everlasting goodness, 
for the present and many past favors which have been 
vouchsafed to me, a poor, feeble worm of the dust, in 
that he not only condescends to visit me by his faithful 
and favored servants, but that day by day I am en- 
abled to experience the sustaining presence of his ail- 
preserving power upon my spirit." Some days after 
this, when her sufferings were increased by the progress 
of the disease, she said, "I don't see to the end, and I 
have no business to see it" — and very soon added, 
" Oh ! how solemn is the view, and yet how quiet — I am 
afraid of insensibility." On the succeeding evening, to a 
young woman who visited her, she very appropriately 
addressed an affectionate admonition, to shun the paths 
of folly and vanity, and to prepare for such a time as 



53 

slie then experienced ; she concluded with these expres- 
sions : '* When I look towards death, there is no sting, 
but joy and gladness forever more." 

When under the pressure of great bodily suffering, 
she frequently expressed a fear of becoming impatient, 
yet uniformly manifested a humble submission and. 
acquiescence with the divine will. We may conclude 
with saying, that as the solomn close drew near, 
not only " the peaceable fruits of righteousness were 
seen," but we trust that " quietness and assurance for- 
ever " became her precious possession. She was per- 
fectly collected and sensible to the last ; and departed 
this life in the city of Baltimore, the 6th of 11th month, 
1817, in the 60th year of her age; and was interred in 
Friends' burying-ground, the burial being attended by 
a large number of Friends and others. 

Signed in and on behalf of Indian Spring Monthly 

Meeting, held at Sandy Spring, the 17th of 4th month, 

1818. 

Thomas P. Stabler, \ j^j i, 
Anna Thomas, j ^^^^'^' 

Read and approved in Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
11th of 5th month, 1818, and signed by direction and 
on behalf thereof. 

Philip E. Thomas, \ pj l 
Grace Knox, J ** 



64 

A Testimony from Hopewell Monthly Meeting, revised by 
Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, concerning James Menden- 

HALL. 

This our beloved friend was born within the verge 
of this meeting, on the 10th day of 12th month, 
1751. In his youth he manifested an amiable disposi- 
tion, but as he advanced in age, the fascinating and de- 
lusive enjoyments of time, with the prospects of pleasure 
from the indulgence of his passions, had the usual 
effect upon his inexperienced mind, and led him in some 
degree from the path of innocence. But his course was 
early arrested by an attention to the quickening influ- 
ences of divine power upon his own heart. These gave 
him not only a true perception of the source from which 
ahme real happiness can be derived, but effectually per- 
suaded him to dedicate himself to it, and to forsake 
those pursuits which he was enabled clearly to discern 
were no more than " lying vanities" — promising enjoy- 
ments they could not give, because of their impure, 
transitory and unsubstantial nature. 

About the 25th year of his age, he appeared as a 
minister, to the satisfaction of his friends. In this de- 
partment of religious service, his communications were 
sound and edifying — plain, persuasive, and without 
affectation. He was eminently qualified as a laborer in 
the discipline of the church, and in this sphere of en- 
gagement, his services will long be remembered in all 
those meetings of which he was a member ; and wherein 
he diligently exerted himself as a mild, yet zealous 
advocate for good order, and an able counsellor in rela- 



55 

tion to the concerns of righteousness. Nor were his 
useful efforts restricted to the bounds of our own 
Society : — he was attentive also to discharge the obliga- 
tions of Christian duty to his neighbors — as helper in 
their necessities — a peace-maker, and friendly adviser 
in their difficulties. He several times travelled to a 
considerable extent in the work of the ministry ; and 
upon his return, produced satisfactory accounts that his 
gospel labors among his brethren had been acceptable. 
His last illness was of a nervous kind ; and though 
the usual evidences of the vigor and comprehensiveness 
of his mind, were from its commencement, much im- 
paired by it, he retained those marks of innocence 
which, as they are the effects of the divine government, 
furnish a well-grounded hope that his spirit was pre- 
pared, upon the dissolution of its earthly tabernacle, to 
be admitted among ^^the general assembly and church 
of the first born, which are written in Heaven.'' 

He deceased on the 25th day of 8tli month, 1816, 
aged about 65 years — a minister nearly forty years. 

Signed on behalf of the Monthly Meeting of Hope- 
well (in Virginia), held the 7th day of 8th month, 1817. 

Jacob Rees, Clerk. 



A Testimony from Goose Creek Monthly Meeting, concern- 
ing Hannah Janney. ^ 

Our much beloved friend Hannah Janney, was born 
of English parents, soon after their arrival in Phila- 
delphia, and was brought up in that city. After her 



66 

marriage, she removed with her husband to Virginia, 
and settled near the place where this meeting is now 
held. Being concerned for the promotion of the cause 
of truth, she was put into the station of an Elder, early 
in life. In plainness and moderation she was a good 
example, and diligent in the attendance of meetings ; 
careful also to take her children and family with her ; 
and often in the language of affection, to invite her 
friends to a due discharge of that important and inter- 
esting duty. 

It was frequently her lot to be united with others in 
visiting the families of Friends, and though a woman 
of few words, she was well qualified to sympathise with 
those engaged in the ministry ; and as occasions ap- 
peared to require, to lend a hand of help, and admin- 
ister a word of encouragement to the humble traveller. 
We believe it may truly be said, that her " adorning 
was that of a meek and quiet spirit,'^ and that as " a 
mother in Israel,'' it was her earnest concern to watch 
over the flock and family, for good. For some years 
before her decease, her advanced age and growing infir- 
mities prevented her getting to meeting ; but on the 
return of those of the family who went, she would fre- 
quently inquire whether the}' had been favored with a 
good meeting. 

During her last illness, which continued about six 
weeks, she was remarkably calm and quiet, and made 
but little complaint either of pain or sickness. She 
appeared to retain her religious sensibility to the last, 
and would frequently offer " praises to the fountain of 
divine mercy, for the many favors conferred on her, a 



57 

poor unworthy creature.^' In reply to being asked how 
she was, she often observed, that '^ she felt sweet com- 
posure to surround her, and nothing but love to cover 
her heart/' Her mind appeared at times to abound 
with love to the author of all good, that she could not 
to the full express the glow of satisfaction with which 
she was favored, otherwise than by breaking forth in 
"praises to her Creator/' To a friend who came into 
the room a few days before her decease, she said, " I am 
glad to see thee, this has been a blessed morning : 
peace and glory appear to be shining around me." To 
another friend she said, " Mind that precious gift ; be 
faithful to it, and do not leave it." 

After she was deprived (through infirmities) of the 
power of attending meetings, she would often say, " it 
was a great consolation to her, now in the decline of 
life, that she had been faithful in the attendance of 
meetings, when ability of body was afforded." She often 
said " that she had passed through various trials and 
exercises in life ; and frequently had to recur to the 
promise of our blessed Saviour, that though in this 
world we shall have tribulation, in him we may have 
peace : which she had experienced to be verified." She 
was very desirous to be fully given up, as to adopt the 
language, '' Thy will, and not mine, be done ; that if she 
could but be favored, when time here to her should be 
no more, to have an admittance into the glorious man- 
sions of everlasting rest and peace, the end would crown 
all." 

Her weakness gradually increasing, she came to a 
peaceful close, and quietly departed this life, on the 



58 

23d of 2d month, 1818, in the 93d year of her age, and 
on the day following was interred in Friends' burying 
ground at Goose Creek, 

Signed by direction of the meeting, held the 30th of 
7th month, 1818. 

Amos Gibson, \ pj j. 
Jane Janney, J ^^ ^* 



A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of Baltimore, for the 
loestern district, concerning Elizabeth Gtillingham. 

Our deceased friend, Elizabeth Gillingham, was born 
at Elkridge, a few miles from the City of Baltimore, on 
the 19th of 8th month, 1761. She was the daughter 
of William Hay ward, a valuable minister of the Society 
of Friends, to whose tender and religious care, much of 
that circumspection which marked her conduct through 
life, may, no doubt, be attributed. 

The following testimony delivered during her last 
illness, evinces her early concern to lay hold on eternal 
life. " I can recollect, when very young, how I desired 
to render up unto the Lord the first fruits of my life, 
and not to make Him an offering of the refuse only." 
And in one of her addresses to her heavenly Father, 
she said, " I have delighted in thy law, ever since I 
was a child. I have feared thee, ever since I knew 
there was such a Being.'' 

In the year 1786, she was married to James Gilling- 
ham. In the management of her household affairs, 
and in her furniture and dress, she was plain and ex- 



59 

emplary ; often lamenting the wide departure from 
humility and self-denial observable in many who pro- 
fess to be the followers of Christ. Some years after 
marriage she was, with the unity of her friends, ap- 
pointed an Elder, in which station she continued until 
her death. 

Her mind was deeply interested on the important 
subject of education ; she thought it great presumption 
in parents to indulge their children in undue liberties, 
in expectation that Divine grace would restore them, 
after they had run their career of pleasure ; she was a 
tender and affectionate mother, careful to guard her 
children against a familiar intercourse with the world, 
which she viewed as always dangerous and often sub- 
versive of religious principles. 

The disease which terminated her life was a cancer 
of the breast, the first symptoms of which made their 
appearance about the end of 3d month, 1817. A sur- 
gical operation, which she bore with Christian fortitude, 
was shortly after performed ; this proving unsuccessful, 
she was subjected to a lingering and painful disease, 
during the progress of which, so eminently was she 
favored with resignation to the Divine will, that in the 
midst of excruciating pains, she often cried out, '^ Lord, 
thou doest all things well ; when I feel the incomes of 
thy divine love, how light it makes all my afflictions." 
The strength and virulence of the disorder increasing, 
she looked with awfulness, but without dismay, to the 
period of dissolution, saying, " death has no terrors.'^ 

The following are selected from the many expressions 
uttered by her in the course of her sickness : — To some 



60 

sympathising friends who visited her, she said, " It is 
the most desirable state to which we can attain, to be 
able to say in the truth, ^ thy will be done,' this is what 
I strive to arrive at." In her afflictions she recognised 
the hand of a merciful Father, and desired that the 
sufferings which were intended for her sanctification, 
might not be spared, but that the designs of the 
Almighty respecting her might be accomplished ; in a 
season of deep exercise she prayed, '' O Lord, touch my 
lips with a live coal from thy holy altar, that I may 
speak of thee ; if thou hast anything for me to do, be 
pleased to manifest it. I have loved thy law ; thou hast 
followed me all my life long, what shall I render unto 
thee for thy mercies? I thank thee that thou hast 
opened my mouth to speak of thy wonderful works 
and deliverances." 

At another time, '^ Thanksgiving and praise, honor 
and high renown be unto thee, O Father, who art 
worthy of all, I render thee thanks for this affliction ; 
though the suffering has been great, thou knowest that 
I have not murmured ; grant me one of the lowest man- 
sions in thy kingdom, if I be found worthy." Under 
a humbling sense of the necessity of a close attention 
to divine directions, she said, " Oh ! what an excellent 
thing it is to wait for the Lord, to know when he is 
pleased to open, and when to withhold the spring of 
life ; he is a God of order, and not of confusion ; and that 
which he does not put forth, will not profit the people. 
I have had a view of the beautiful order that was estab- 
lished among his people formerly, in their journeying ; 
they had a pillar of cloud to direct them by day, and a 



61 

pillar of fire by night; and when the cloud abode upon 
the tabernacle, they journeyed not, but when the cloud 
was taken up they journeyed. Oh ! may we be willing, 
when the cloud rests upon the tabernacle, to remain 
within our tents." 

While laboring under great difficulty of breathing, 
she said, *'My sufferings are very great, but how light 
when compared to those of the Lamb of God, who 
suffered for us, when the sweat dropped from him, as it 
were great drops of blood, when he cried out. My God ! 
my God ! why hast thou forsaken me ! " At anotlter 
time after a season of deep suffering she uttered the 
following, ^* O Father ! thou hast granted me a renewal 
of thy love, thou hast replenished my soul with a fresh 
visitation ; praises be unto thee, thou Holy One ! O 
Lord ! all is thine ; I offer up all unto thee, I cast all 
my cares upon thee.'' Several days before her close 
she expressed her belief that she should enter into 
everlasting rest, and said that though the time of her 
departure might not be very near, she wished the present 
to be a parting season with all her family : she then 
took a solemn farewell, in the Lord, of each of them, 
earnestly offering up her intercessions for them, at that 
throne to which she appeared to have gained so near 
an access. She still continued occasionally, as her 
rapidly declining strength would permit, to deliver 
many precious testimonies, furnishing comfortable evi- 
dence to those around her, that wiiile the natural life 
was gradually decaying, the spiritual life was daily 
acquiring renewed strength. 

The day preceding her decease she said with com- 



62 

posure, " Come, Lord Jesus ! come quickly, I am 

ready aud willing. Thou, O Father ! hast prepared me 

for it ; I have nothing to do but to die." Some time 

after she said, "I am afraid that I am too anxious to go ; 

if the Lord see meet to try me yet more, his blessed will 

be done.-^ The next day, feeling the approach of death, 

she said, '^ Thy will be done.'' A few minutes before 

she exi)ired she appeared to be engaged in ])rayer, and 

was distinctly heard to utter these words, '^ Come, Lord 

Jesus, come;'' then looking aronnd on her children she 

said " farewell ; " and quietly departed, on the 22d day 

of first month, 1819, in the 58th year of her age, and 

we have no doubt entered into the rest prepared for the 

righteous. The day fallowing she was interred in 

Friends' burying-ground in the City of Baltimore. 

Approved by the Monthly Meeting of Baltimore for 

the Western district, held the 7th day of 4th month, 

1820, and signed by direction and on behalf thereof, by 

Andrew Ei.licott, 1 ^/ t. 
Hannah Talbot, f ^^^''f^^- 

Approved by Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, held the 
8th of 5th month, 1820, and directed to be endorsed 
aud forwarded to the Meeting for Sufferings. 

Philip E. Thomas, Cleric. 

Rebecca Procter, Clerk for the day. 



63 

A Testimony of Warrington Quarterly Meeting, concerning 
our ancient friend, Margaret Elgar, deceased. 

She was born on the 2d of 2d month, 1739-40, old 
style, in Frederick county, Maryland, of religious 
parents, William and Mary Matthews, the former 
deceased before her birth, the latter about her eighth 
year ; and though deprived of her mother's pious and 
tender care at so early an age, yet her counsel was re- 
membered with much filial affection. 

In 1771 she entered into the marriage state with 
Joseph Elgar, and after residing a short time at Sandy 
Spring, in Maryland, removed within the verge of this 
Quarterly Meeting. At Warrington monthly meeting 
she was appointed to the station of an Elder; and in 
1790 was recommended as a minister by Monallan 
monthly meeting. In the three succeeding years she 
visited all the meetings belonging to this quarter, and 
the families of two of its monthly meetings, as also 
several meetings belonging to other quarters, and after- 
wards made several religious visits to different meetings 
in the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
Virginia and Ohio, which, from the testimonies re- 
ceived, were satisfactory. 

In the year 1807 she became a member of York 
Monthly and Particular Meeting, where she was fre- 
quently engaged in the exercise of her* gift, to the 
strengthening of the weak, and the stirring up of the 
lukewarm — often inviting the youth to advocate the 
precious cause of Truth — a cause which she testified 
was dignified with honor and crowned with an endless 
6 



64 

life. In 1811 she met with a close trial in the death 
of her husband. She was endued with a strong mind 
and enlarged understanding, which under the influence 
of religious principle rendered her very serviceable in 
the church ; she was zealous for the support of the dis- 
cipline, the right exercise of which she esteemed to be 
of great importance to the growtli and preservation of 
our Society; and remarked that in the course of her 
experience, see had observed where this was neglected, 
meetings declined. She was often engaged in humble 
supplication for the preservation of Friends everywhere, 
that by filling up their ranks in righteousness they 
might bring glory to the Great Name. We believe it 
may be said of her, that she was an instrument in the 
divine hand, to whom the metaphor applies, " How 
beautiful are the feet of those that preach the gospel of 
peace, and bring glad tidings of good things." In her 
declining years she was remarkably preserved in the 
life of religion ; her public testimonies carried with 
them the evidence of a mind rightly exercised in the 
solemn engagement to which she was called; her min- 
istry was sound, and attended in an eminent degree with 
the baptising power of truth, without which preaching 
is vain. In her intercourse with society, she was 
affable and easy of access, and was pleased with the 
company of religiously inclined young people, by whom 
she was much beloved. 

In her last illness she was confined to her room about 
six weeks, in which time she suffered much bodily pain. 
Her disorder was an affection of the breast, which made 
verbal communication difficult; yet it was evident that 



65 

she enjoyed great serenity of mind, expressing an entire 
resignation to the divine will, whether her disease should 
terminate in life or in death. On the 29tli of 3d 
month, 1821, she departed this life as one falling asleep, 
in the 82d year of her age, and was the next day in- 
terred in Friends' burying-ground at York. 

Read and approved by Warrington Quarterly Meet- 
ing, held the 27th of 8th month, 1821, and signed on 
behalf thereof, by 

Eli Elliott, \ qj.^j^^ 
Maky Willis, / ^^^^''^' 



Testimony of Deer Creek Monthly Meeting ^ concerning bur 
ancient friend^ Mary Mifflin, deceased. 

We think it expedient sometimes to preserve the re- 
membrance of those worthies who have been removed 
from the field of labor, not only as an acknowledgment 
due for the benefit of their services, but in order that 
others might be incited by their instructive examples, 
to perseverance in the path of dedication. Of this 
number was our beloved friend above mentioned. 

She was the daughter of Joshua and Mary Pusey, of 
London Grove, Pennsylvania, and was in her early- 
years sensibly affected with the visitations of divine life 
and grace, and by adhering thereunto, was preserved 
from the vanities and follies which often divert and 
alienate the minds of youth from the due remembrance 
and awful regard of the Creator. The love of God in- 
fluencing her mind and opening her understanding, she 



66 

became concerned for the general good of mankind, 
and received a gift of the ministry of the gospel of 
Christ, jpefore she had attained to the age of seventeen ; 
and being faithful to the measure received, her gift was 
enlarged, and she became an eminent instrument in the 
Lord's hand, to publish the glad tidings of the gospel 
of peace. In her 19th year she was united in marriage 
with Joseph Husband ; and some time after removed 
with him and settled within the limits of Deer Creek 
monthly meeting, of which she was for many years a 
useful member, both as a minister, and as one zealous 
for the maintenance of order and the discipline of the 
church. In the year 1786 she experienced a close 
trial in the loss of her husband, but was enabled to 
offer him up without a murmur, trusting alone to that 
arm that had supported her in every trying dispensa- 
tion. Such was the divine consolation witnessed at the 
time of this bereavement, that she has been heard to 
say, that she had, for many months, no room for sorrow. 
Being left a widow and mother of eight children; she 
experienced many difficulties; all of which she was 
enabled to surmount by a steady, yet humble reliance 
on him who never forsakes the widow and fatherless 
who put their trust in him. And notwithstanding the 
incumbrance of a helpless family, she found time to at- 
tend the religious meetings of which she was a member ; 
as also to visit in gospel love, many of the meetings of 
Friends in different parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland 
and Virginia. 

She was afterwards joined in marriage with Daniel 
Mifflin, and removed with him to his residence in 



67 

Accomac county, in the State of Virginia. After the 
death of her last husband, she removed to Baltimore, 
where she enjoyed for many years the society of her 
friends, who appreciated her usefulness as a minister 
and Friend, concerned for the promotion and prosperity 
of truth. In 1820, she again removed, in order to 
spend the remnant of her days at Deer Creek. Here 
as long as her bodily health would permit, she was a 
diligent attender of meetings for worship and discipline, 
wherein she often experienced a living engagement in 
the exercise of her gift in the ministry, to extend to her 
fellow- members and others, counsel, exhortation and 
comfort, with undiminished weight and Gospel 
authority. 

In her last illness, she endured her sufferings, which 
were at times severe, with a good degree of fortitude and 
resignation : often expressing the sweet composure and 
serenity of her feelings, and her gratitude to the author of 
her being for many particular favors conferred through 
the course of a long life. She expressed entire resigna- 
tion either in life or death ; often declaring how happy 
she was, and saying, " I am at times able to sing that 
holy song. Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace 
and good-will to men." Towards the close of her life 
she appeared rather anxious for her departure, and at 
one time was heard to say, " Painful are my days, O 
Lord, and wearisome my nights ; nevertheless thy will 
be done, both in life and death ; if more suffering is 
allotted to me, do thou sustain me in it, that thy name 
in all things may be glorified." 

She departed this life on the 28th of 3d month, 1823, 



68 

in the 81st year of her age, leaving her friends and 
relatives in a well-grounded hope that she had entered 
into the mansions of rest. 

Signed by direction, and on behalf of Deer Creek 
Monthly Meeting, held the 12th day of 2d month, 
1824, by 

Thomas Worthington, 

Mary B. Coale, 



I Clerks. 



Read m and approved by Nottingham Quarterly 

Meeting, held at Little Britain, the 20th of 2d month, 

1824, and signed by direction thereof, by 

Peter Askew, \ ^^, ■, 
Sarah Clemment, J ^^^^'^^* 



A Testimony of Little Britain Monthly Meeting^ in Lan- 
caster County^ Pennsylvania^ concerning our beloved 
friend^ Mercy Brown, v^ho was the daughter of Caleb 
and Abigail Shreeve, and was born at Mansfield in 
Burlington county^ New Jersey^ the Ifith of 12th month, 
1763. 

By her own account her mind was accompanied with 
earnest desires after the knowledge of the truth in early 
life, and from her youth, she was diligent in the atten- 
dance of religious meetings. 

We are informed by Friends of Upper Springfield 
Monthly Meeting, in New Jersey, that her deportment 
in life was circumspect and exemplary, and her conver- 
sation agreeable and instructive. In the year 1798, 



69 

after a time of deep conflict and close exercise of mind, 
she appeared in the line of gospel ministry, to the satis- 
faction of Friends ; and abiding in faithfulness, under the 
forming hand of the divine power, she became a rightly 
qualified instrument for usefulness in the church. It 
also appears that in the year 1800, she felt her mind 
drawn in Gospel love to travel in the ministry, and 
visited the meetings of Friends in the upper parts of 
New Jersey, the northern parts of Pennsylvania, and 
the settlements of Friends in Canada, to the peace of her 
own mind ; and by accounts received, to the satisfaction 
of the Friends visited. 

Prior to her settlement with us, the same fervent de- 
sire for the prosperity of truth made her willing at 
many other times, to leave her habitation and engage in 
arduous exercising visits, to the meetings of Friends, of 
her own and other yearly meetings, in all of which she 
had acceptable service, and the reward of peace. 

In the year 1808, she joined in marriage with our 
friend Jeremiah Brown, and came to reside among us, 
an approved minister, from Upper Springfield Monthly 
Meeting aforesaid, and labored faithfully in the cause 
of truth and righteousness, not only amongst us, but 
also in visiting different meetings in various parts : the 
last weighty service of this kind in which she was en- 
gaged, was a religious visit in the summer of 1819, to 
the families of Friends within the compass of Baltimore 
Monthly Meeting for the western district, which she 
performed to the comfort and satisfaction of Friends 
generally. 

She was endowed with a clear and comprehensive 



70 

mind, and by submitting to the direction of her Divine 
Master, was made useful to her sisters in transacting the 
weighty concerns of society. She also had an exten- 
sive and lively gift in the ministry ; her communica- 
tions being plain and edifying, and accompanied with 
the baptising power of truth, so that her labors in the 
Lord^s vineyard will, we trust, be lastingly remem- 
bered. She felt earnest solicitude for the young and 
rising generation, and frequently in her public testi- 
monies, tenderly invited them to choose the Lord for 
their portion, and the God of Jacob for the lot of their 
inheritance, with many other heart tendering excite- 
ments for their growth and stability in the truth. Her 
sittings in our meetings were humbling and instruc- 
tive. She was a truly affectionate wife, a kind sympa- 
thising friend, and a promoter of peace and harmony 
amongst her neighbors. 

For the last six months of her life she was chiefly 
confined to her chamber, and although she did not com- 
plain of much sickness nor pain, until towards her close, 
she gradually declined under the effect of a slow dis- 
ease, during which time she uttered many weighty and 
lively expressions ; and after mentioning much love to- 
wards her connexions and friends, she in moving 
language said, she felt love for the whole human family. 
One morning after passing through a trying night she 
said, " Oh that I could be released altogether and be at 
rest; I often feel very poor, but have no remorse of 
conscience nor condemnation ; I only crave an easy 
passage at last, and hope the Lord will receive my soul, 
then all will be well." And she frequently said that 
she saw nothing but peace before her. 



71 

She was favored to retain her senses to the last, and 
lay mostly in a quiet frame of mind, expressing a grate- 
ful sense of the kindness of her physician, and of those 
who attended upon her, and departed this life in peace,^ 
the 24th of 10th month, 1823, in the 60th year of her 
age, and we have no doubt has received the reward of 
" Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into 
the joy of thy Lord." 

Signed in, and on behalf of said monthly meeting, 
the 15th of 5th month, 1824, by 

John Kirk, 1 ^^^^^ 
Agness King, j 

Read in, and approved by Nottingham Quarterly 

Meeting, held the 20th of 8th month, 1824, and signed 

by direction thereof, by 

Peter Askew, 1 ^, -, 
Sarah Clemment, / ^^^'^' 



Testimony of Nottingham Monthly Meeting respecting 
Elizabeth Pugh, lately deceased. 

Under a humbling sense of the loss we have sus- 
tained, by the recent removal of our beloved friend 
Elizabeth Pugh, and while the precious savor of her 
exemplary life and Gospel services remains fresh on 
our memory, we are concerned to give a short testimony 
of her zeal and faithfulness in the cause of Truth. She 
was born in Ireland, and when young, came with her 
parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Hudson, to live within 



72 

the compass of our meeting. By her own account she 
was favored with religious impressions in early life, but 
for want of due attention to Divine Grace, which would 
preserve from the besetting snares of the w^orld, she 
often suffered her mind to stray from the path of true 
dedication. 

Some years after her marriage, she was favored with 
a powerful awal^ening visitation, accompanied with a 
solemn impression of mind, that if the favor then 
offered was not embraced, it might be the last. Where- 
upon she was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 
and was enabled to enter upon a state of humble wait- 
ing upon God, in the way of his blessed manifestation 
of himself to her, and therein witnessed divine help 
and strength afforded to preserve ; and as she thus 
came to experience the mercy and goodness of her 
Divine Master, she felt it to be her duty to give public 
testimony thereof, in our religious meetings, in which 
weighty service she was at times fervently engaged for 
about eighteen years. Her early appearances were in 
much simplicity and brokenness of spirit, and abiding 
under the sanctifying influence of that power that 
qualifies for true Gospel ministry, she gradually evinced 
an increase of solid weight, frequently enlarged with 
much energy and sweetness on the loving kindness of 
our heavenly father to the children of men, in favoring 
them with the visitations of his love, revealing in their 
hearts a knowledge of his will, and affording a capacity 
to work out the salvation of the soul; under a living 
sense thereof, she often declared it to be an unspeak- 
able favor that we are permitted to unite with our 



73 

friends in quiet retirement from worldly cares; and 
she often expressed her anxious solicitude on behalf of 
herself and dear friends, that such opportunities might 
be improved to benefit. 

She was a worthy example of diligence in the atten- 
dance of our religious meetings, and her humble, rev- 
erent demeanor -therein gave convincing evidence of 
the fervency of her spirit. 

To those under suffering, as opportunity was afforded, 
she was always found to be a sympathising friend; 
and the last act of her public ministry was, a supplica- 
tion for the support of those under affliction, interced- 
ing for them with the father of mercies with much 
solemnity and fervency of spirit. 

Her last illness was short and painful, during which 
she feelingly expressed her " submission to the Divine 
will,^' adding that she " had experienced a distressing 
time as to the body, but her mind was at peace, that 
she had often believed it to be her duty to plead with 
her fellow-beings to prepare for such an awful time as 
this.'' At one time speaking to her children she said, 
" I believe I have not much to say at present, but think 
I am resigned to bid you all farewell, and may the 
Lord be pleased to be with you as he has been with 
me.'' 

Her husband having mentioned to her the probability 
of her dissolution being near, she answered, ^' It must 
be so," and at another time said, '^ How pleasant I feel ! 
Oh ! when will the precious moment come?" 

She quietly departed this life the 18th of 7th month, 
1825, in the sixtieth year of her age. 



74 

Read and approved by Nottingham Monthly Meet- 
ing, held the 6lh of 9th month, 1825, and directed to 
be signed by the clerks. 

John Chew Thomas, \ pj h 
Ann Coale, j ^^ ' 

Read and approved by Nottingham Quarterly Meet- 
ing, held at East Nottingham, the 25th of 11th month, 
1825. 

Peter Askew, \ CI k 

Hannah Churchman, j ^^ ^• 



A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of Baltimore, for the 
Western District, concerning our friend, Evan Thomas, 
deceased. 

He was born in Montgomery county, in this State, 
on the 21st day of 11th month, 1738, old style. To 
hold up to survivors, the example of one who has 
peacefully finished the career of probation ; to exhibit 
in a condensed view, the prominent steps by which he 
was conducted through the chequered scenes of life, and 
to endeavor to impress on our minds that the Spirit of 
Truth, the only safe guide to salvation and preserva- 
tion, and which is one in all, whether as a reprover or 
a refiner, a leader or a comforter, according as our 
various states and conditions require, still follows us 
in all our wanderings, in order to bring us back to the 
true fold of rest and peace — is the object of this memo- 
rial. 



i 



75 

From some documents left in the handwriting of 
this our beloved friend, it appears that his mind was, 
at an early age, solemnly impressed with religious sen- 
sations, and that in this tender frame he was often deeply 
affected in reading the journals and other writings of 
primitive Friends, in which are recorded their trials 
and sufferings for conscience -sake, and that desires were 
then excited that he might attain to a measure of that 
faith and patience which they manifested under the 
most trying dispensations; thus furnishing additional 
evidence, that, at an early period in life, the human 
mind is susceptible of divine impressions, and that the 
touches of the heavenly father's love are coeval with 
the first dawn of reason and reflection. But there is a 
countervailing influence which too often effaces these 
precious impressions. Collision with a world lying in 
wickedness has a powerful tendency to stamp upon the 
soul its own harsh and unlovely features, in place of 
the fair characters delineated by the Divine hand. 

Thus it appears by these documents, that before he 
had reached his sixteenth year, the contaminating influ- 
ence of evil communication, that powerful corrupter of 
good manners, had nearly obliterated all the traces of 
those tender impressions which had been made upon 
his mind, and that about this time a severe sickness, 
from which recovery seemed very doubtful, was the 
means used, in the ordinations of infinite wisdom, to 
draw him back into the paths of innocence and safety. 
Deeply exercised under this heavy affliction, from a dis- 
tressful consciousness of departure from the pointings 
of truth, he was reduced to a willingness to enter into 
7 



76 

covenant with the creator and preserver of men, that if 
he would spare him longer he would endeavor to be 
more circumspect in life and conversation. For about 
four years after his recovery from the above mentioned 
sickness, he passed his time mostly in retirement, being 
chiefly employed in reading and study, and was in some 
measure preserved from relapsing into the spirit of the 
world. During this period of seclusion it was, that the 
suggestion first entered his mind, that a dispensation of 
the Gospel ministry would be communicated to his trust. 
This suggestion was, however, in a short time banished, 
and another trial of his steadfastness succeeded. With 
some young men in the neighborhood, possessing a 
literary taste and fascinating manners, he formed an in- 
timate acquaintance, and not at first perceiving that 
under an imposing exterior there were concealed liber- 
tine principles, the fruitful source of licentious morals, 
his mind, by insensible degrees, became alienated from 
the love of retirement, and he was led gradually into 
the vortex of a very corrupting and dangerous associa- 
tion, in which he continued for several years, although 
he was mercifully preserved from the grosser vices, and 
on that account ventured to consider himself as stand- 
ing on safe ground; yet the keeper of Israel who slumbers 
not, nor sleeps, did not permit him to remain at ease in 
this state of false security ; for in seasons of retirement, 
and in the solitary hour, the witness for God in the soul, 
that teacher that cannot be removed into a corner, would 
break in upon every false rest. Often was the day 
which had been spent in unprofitable company, or in 
idle and profane conversation, succeeded by a night of 



I 



77 

deep condemnation and horror. A return to company 
and amusement was the usual, though ineffectual re- 
source for quieting those uneasy feelings, and counter- 
acting those heavenly visitations, which in one state of 
the mind will be hailed as inexpressibly precious, whilst 
in another they will be viewed with aversion. Thus 
in alternations of disobedience and remorse, he con- 
tinued until the year 1766, when he entered into the 
married state. 

From this time ambition for distinction in the world 
took possession of his mind, and the conjuncture of cir- 
cumstances which soon after occurred was favorable to 
the growth and development of such feelings. During 
the ferment, which about that time began to agitate 
these United States, then British Colonies, and which 
eventuated in the Revolutionary war, he was carried 
along with the popular current; and having been 
present at a general meeting of the county, called on 
occasion of the alleged public grievances, he was 
chosen a delegate for the first convention of this State, 
held at Annapolis, which he attended, and the proceed- 
ings adopted by that body appearing in his view not 
to be inconsistent with the principles professed by 
Friends, received his support. Under the illuminat- 
ing influence of that faithful monitor of the soul, 
which continued to follow him, his understanding, how- 
ever, became opened clearly to perceive that the measures 
which he was promoting would eventually lead to open 
war ; he immediately withdrew from any farther active 
agency in public concerns, and although returned a 
delegate to the second convention, he declined serving. 



78 

This devotion to principle was followed by further 
openings of that light, which discovers to us our real 
standing in the sight of infinite purity, and by an in- 
creased faithfulness he became more and more humbled 
under the operations of the divine hand, and was ren- 
dered willing to resign that ambitious love of distinc- 
tion which had heretofore so entirely engrossed his re- 
gard. The conflict between inclination and a clear sense 
of duty was painful in the extreme. To give up the 
flattering prospects of worldly honor, to one occupying 
a prominent station in society, and in the prime of life, 
during an eventful crisis in public affiiirs, was found to 
be a sacrifice which could only be made by a dedication 
to religious principle ; believing, however, that it was 
called for, this sacrifice was made, and he has left it as 
his testimony, that in the reward of the peace which 
followed there was an abundant recompense. 

The Society of Friends had until this time, in com- 
mon with others in these parts, fallen very generally 
into the practice of keeping slaves, but as every act of 
obedience to the manifestations of truth upon the mind 
prepares the way for the further openings of divine 
light upon our understandings, so " the spirit which 
searches all things," discovered to him the iniquity of 
holding his fellow-men in a state of personal bondage, 
and yielding to the visitation, he soon became entirely 
convinced of its inconsistency with that primary duty 
of a Christian, which is, to " do unto others as we would 
they should do unto us.^' He was strengthened faithfully 
to bear an upright testimonyagainst the practice, though 
then a generally prevailing one, by manumitting and 



79 

restoring to their just rights those of the African race 
who were in his possession. This compliance with duty, 
it appears, not only disencumbered his mind from a 
heavy burden which sorely pressed upon it, but opened 
his way for future service and usefulness in the church. 

From this time he became regular and diligent in 
the attendance of meetings, and active in the exercise of 
the discipline, and was soon laid under the necessity of 
testifying to others what the Lord had done for him, 
in order to encourage them in the path of righteousness. 
During the Revolutionary war he suffered great loss of 
goods, in support of his testimony to the peaceable 
character of Christ's kingdom, as well as for refusing 
to take the oath of allegiance, and for declining to pay 
taxes levied for the support of the war. During this 
period he also suffered deeply for the exercise of his gift 
as a minister of the Gospel ; all which trials it appears 
he bore with patience, meekness, and an unshaken re- 
liance on the Divine support. He had a clear and 
strong testimony against the use of intoxicating liquors 
as a beverage, which by a consistent example he sus- 
tained to the close of his life. Within a short time 
before his decease, he stated with great emphasis and 
feeling, in a public meeting, that for the last sixty years 
he had not, to his knowledge, swallowed one drop of 
distilled spirits, nor in any degree indulged in the un- 
necessary use of intoxicating drinks. 

Under the influence of the love of the Gospel, which 
enlarges the soul in affectionate desires for the welfare 
of others, he was often engaged to travel abroad and 
appoint religious meetings, both among Friends and 



80 

other people, in which service he was frequently occu- 
pied as long as physical strength would permit. Pos- 
sessing strong powers of mind, and a highly cultivated 
understanding, he was in the exercise of his ministerial 
gift, concise, clear and convincing, and being courteous 
and aifable in his manners, he generally gained the re- 
spectful notice and regard of those to whom his labors 
were directed. Under the influence of that charity 
which breathes peace on earth and good -will to men, he 
was led into deep sympathy for the Indian natives of 
this country, and when far advanced in life, was drawn 
to visit some of the tribes northwest of the river Ohio. 
In this visit through a country then a wilderness, he 
endured many privations and suffered much fatigue, 
and exposure to personal danger ; he was, however, pre- 
served through them all, and has often been heard to 
say, that he felt peace of mind for his dedication to this 
service, and gratitude for the Divine protection and sup- 
port which he experienced throughout the arduous jour- 
ney. Friends of this monthly meeting amongst whom 
he walked, with exemplary circumspection, in much 
unity and nearness of affection, during many of the last 
and best years of his life, can testify from personal 
knowledge, with what innocence and childlike sim- 
plicity, c(mfbrmably with the meekness and gentleness 
of Christ, he deported himself — with what sweetness 
he manifested that he was in possession of that love 
which is the essential characteristic of the Gospel — 
with what clearness to the last he bore witness to 
the universality and efficacy of the " one spirit," by 
which all who yield to its influences are baptised into 



81 

one body, and become living members of the church of 
Christ, often quoting in his public communications, and 
with great earnestness and force, dwelling upon that 
declaration of the Apostle Paul, deeply interesting in 
thespiritual relation, '^ The grace of God which bringeth 
salvation, hath appeared unto all men, teaching us that, 
denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live 
soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, 
looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appear- 
ance of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, 
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from 
all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, 
zealous of good works/' In a word, how he adorned 
the doctrine of God our Saviour, in all things, by a life 
and conversation becoming the Gospel. 

For some time before his last sickness, he appeared 
to have a presentiment that the time of his sojourning 
was drawing to a close, and frequently mentioned it to 
his family, accompanied with the consolatory reflection 
that he was prepared to obey the summons — that he 
felt no fears and saw no cloud in his way — that having 
endeavored honestly to be faithful to the discoveries of 
duty upon his own mind, he could adopt the testimony 
of the same apostle, when he had the termination of life 
full in view, '^ The time of my departure is at hand : I 
have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, 
I have kept the faith ; henceforth there is laid up for 
me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the right- 
eous judge, will give me at that day, and not to me 
only, but unto all them that love his appearing." 

In the latter part of the 9th month he was taken 



82 

with his last sickness, which was not attended by much 
bodily pain. He lay in great calmness and resignation, 
having no will of his own about the issue, but cheerfully 
committing all to the sovereign disposer of events. In 
the communications addressed to his family, who were 
with him, he confirmed with his dying breath the testi- 
mony which he had sustained through a long series of 
years, that it is only by a single attention and obedience to 
the manifestations of the principle of Divine light and 
life in the soul, that we can attain to life and salvation ; 
and that however we may, like Nicodemus formerly, be 
brought by outward observation to acknowledge Christ, 
as a teacher come from God, yet this would not be suffi- 
cient, as we might still be ignorant of the spiritual 
nature of the Gospel dispensation, and of the operations 
of that internal power which alone can raise the soul, 
dead in sin and trespasses, to spiritual life, by the resur- 
rection of Christ. In this resigned state he remained 
waiting his change, and quietly departed on the 11th 
day of 10th month, 1826, aged near 88 years. 

Signed by direction, and on behalf of Baltimore 
Monthly Meeting, for the Western District, held the 
7th of 9th month, 1827. 

William E. Bartlett, Clerk at this tirae. 
Catharine M. Smith, Clerk for the day. 

Read and approved by Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 

held the 12th of 9th month, 1827, and signed on behalf 

thereof. 

Thomas P. Stabler, Clerk for the day. 



83 

Memorial of Alexandria Monthly Meeting^ concerning 
Edward Stabler. 

Edward Stabler was born at Petersburgh, in 
Virginia, on the 28th day of 9th month, 1769. Having, 
early in life, yielded to the refining and regulating in- 
fluences of Divine love, by its operation his spiritual 
vision became purged from those mists which constitute 
that delusive medium through which things of an 
evanescent and unsubstantial nature are, in our view, 
vested with the attributes of permanency and solid 
value, and was directed singly to that light which 
makes manifest, and which, by detecting the fallacy, 
enables us to distinguish between what is essentially 
good, and that which is evil. Having reduced the 
principles which he adopted to the test of experience, 
and finding that they were of efficacy sufficient to 
sustain him, and of power enough to maintain their 
integrity and authority over the soul, " he staggered 
not at the promises of God through unbelief, but was 
strong in the faith, giving glory to God." He ventured 
his all upon them, and by a steadfast adherence to the 
eternal and immutable principles of Truth, he witnessed 
a solid establishment on that which stands independent 
of the wisdom and contrivances of men. In the gradual 
progress of discovery, he became sensible of the absolute 
necessity of investigating things for himself, and knew 
their certainty from the evidence of those internal 
senses by which Divine and spiritual objects are appre- 
hended, weighed and appreciated. His acquaintance 
with the Scriptures was extensive, for he had studied 



84 

them diligently, and was mainly coocerned to bring to 
this study the requisite qualification for prosecuting it 
successfully, — an honest desire to read them in that 
light which alone is able to give a right understanding 
of them. Having thus early entered into the School 
of Christ, and having been a diligent scholar, in the 
course of instruction he became obedient to his teacher, 
and in due time he so unreservedly yielded obedience 
to the great primary law of the Institution, viz., the 
law of Love, that the exercise of that principle appeared, 
ever after, to constitute the leading feature in his char- 
acter. 

Endowed by nature with a clear, comprehensive and 
discriminating mind, capable of weighing evidence, 
when objects were presented to his view accompanied 
by the testimony sufficient to establish their nature, the 
first step, in the conclusions of such a mind, was, to 
embrace the Truth in the love of it ; the next, to do 
what was required. Having ascertained for himself 
that the path of safety was the way of the Cross, he 
turned a deaf ear to the alluring calls and solicitations 
of the honors, the pleasures, and amusements which 
the world presents. He shunned not the burden of 
that restraining power which, when faithfully borne, 
operates as a salutary check upon that indulgence of 
the affections and lusts which is inconsistent with the 
even tenor of the life of a follower of Christ — a rela- 
tion to the holy Head of the Church in which it was 
the chief labor of his life to stand, not by the exercise 
of a heated zeal for dogmas and opinions, but by a 
faithful submission to the law of the Spirit of life, in 



86 

Christ Jesus our Lord, *' which Paul said had set him 
free from the law of sin and death/^ and will emancipate 
every soul that yields to its dominion, from the degrad- 
ing servitude of sin and corruption. Having, in this 
manner, submitted to the baptizing power of Truth, 
and suffered his mind to be gradually trained to obedi- 
ence under the discipline of the Cross, he became pre- 
pared for the Master's use ; and feeling a necessity laid 
upon him, to declare to others " what the Lord had done 
for his soul," he made his first appearance in the min- 
istry, in the 37th year of his age. His communications 
and testimonies were clear and perspicuous, and well 
calculated to fix the attention of those to whom they 
were addressed. He possessed a rare felicity in eluci- 
dating and enforcing those deeply interesting views 
of Divine and spiritual truths, which were opened in 
his own mind. He was no less happy in his illustra- 
tions of Scripture. These were always rational and 
instructive, and not seldom luminous and attractive. 
Nor was his usefulness as a testimony-bearer to the 
truth, confined to public occasions. His colloquial 
powers, in the private circle, were of the first order ; 
and his amiable disposition, his bland and gentle 
manners, opened for him a wide avenue to the hearts 
and affections of the young. To these, his conversa- 
tion, which generally turned upon subjects of a deeply 
interesting character, proposed in a manner suitable to 
their age and understanding, was peculiarly attractive ; 
and which being accompanied by an evidence of affec- 
tionate love and regard for the tender lambs of the flock, 
rendered the impression irresistible. 



86 

There is a cloud of living witnesses who can testify 
to the pure and evangelical nature of his ministry ; 
calling the people from names to things, from the empty 
shadow to the living substance. Actuated by the 
spirit and love of the Gospel — the distinguishing mark 
of true discipleship, which knows no distinction of 
sects or parties — he was induced frequently to leave his 
temporal concerns, to travel extensively in the ministry ; 
in which service his labors were very acceptable to 
those for whose sake they were undertaken. In the ex- 
ercise of his gift in the ministry, one great object was, 
to impress the minds of his hearers with the importance 
of examining things for themselves, of attending to 
their own experience, of reading over and over the 
leaves of their own lives, which were always open 
before them ; that this examination honestly undertaken 
and faithfully prosecuted, in that ^' light which makes 
manifest," would result in a clear view of the distinc- 
tion between good and evil, accompanied by a full con- 
viction that the one always blesses, and tlie other as 
uniformly torments. There being but one source of 
good, every thing that blesses, or produces good, must 
proceed from it. In all his communications, he quoted 
largely from the Scriptures, which he fully believed to 
have been written by holy men as they were inspired 
by the Holy Spirit. His belief in the Divinity of 
Christ, the Son of God, and sent of the Father, and 
his indispensable agency in the redemption of man, 
was unqualified. That '' Christ is the wisdom of God 
and the power of God " — that the operation of this 
power is unlimited either by time or space — *' before 



87 

Abraham was I am " — ^' it is the spirit that quickeneth, 
the flesh profiteth nothing," and that " if any man 
have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his," are 
Scripture testimonies, to which he not only yielded a 
full assent, but could set his seal from the evidence 
within himself, that these testimonies were true. He 
was very fully impressed with the truth of the Scripture 
declaration, that " God is love," and that all the deal- 
ings of God to man are in love. '' God so loved the 
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso- 
ever believeth in him should not perish, but have ever- 
lasting life." True Gospel love extends to enemies, 
*' to love our neighbors as ourselves," and to ^' do unto 
others as we would that they should do unto us." In 
a word, " Love is the fulfilling of the law." 

We who have been witnesses of his labors, of his 
valuable services, and of his blameless life, have 
thought it right to put upon record a short memorial of 
this our beloved friend, now removed from amongst us, 
that the younger portion of the present generation, and 
those who may succeed them, may be encouraged to 
emulate his example and come forth as standard-bearers 
in the cause of truth and righteousness, in their day 
as he did in his. To whomsoever he was known, and he 
was very generally known to the body of Friends in 
this country ; to many of us, particularly, who have 
for a long series of years been his contemporaries and 
intimately acquainted with him, his memorial is already 
written, engraved on the living tablets of our hearts 
and affections, in characters deeper and more indelible 
than the pen of mortal can trace, 
^8 



88 

He was diligent in the attendance of meetings estab- 
lished in the order of society, and concerned to en- 
courage others to increased faithfulness in the discharge; 
of that important duty. The last communication 
which he delivered was a very impressive one, on the 
importance of silence, enforcing the doctrine by appro- 
priate Scripture authorities. 

Within the circle of his own family, his deportment 
was marked by obedience to the same blessed principle 
that actuated him when more immediately before the 
eyes of the world. The emotions of a temper naturally 
ardent, often occasioned him close trials and conflicts of 
feeling, but which he was enabled to restrain by the 
controlling influences of Divine Grace. His carriage 
towards every member of his family, both as a husband 
and a parent, was exceedingly affectionate and exem- 
plary, and showed that his aim was to promote their 
happiness as far as it was in his power. He secured the 
affections of his children while their minds were yet 
tender, by the principle of love ; and when their under- 
standings became sufficiently matured, he endeavored to 
urge upon them every motive which could influence 
a rational mind to pursue that course of conduct and 
faithfulness of which he was himself so bright an ex- 
ample. 

The last meeting he attended was very small, and 
silent. At the close of it, he remarked to a friend, that 
he would be willing to go and sit there, as long-as any 
one should be left to sit with him, the openings of Di- 
vine Truth upon his mind, that day, had been so 
precious. 



89 

In his last sickness, his mind was in a sweet and re- 
signed state, and at one time, he was observed to close 
his supplication to the Throne of Grace, with these 
words, " Thy will be done." 

His useful and exemplary life was terminated at 
Alexandria, D. C, on the 18th of 1st month, 1831, 
in the sixty-second year of his age. 

Signed by direction and on behalf of Alexandria 
Monthly Meeting, held the 21st of 7th month, 1831, by 
Benjamin Hallowell, "I ^, , 
Margaret Hallowell, j ^ ^^ ' • 

At Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, held at Goose Creek, 
the loth of 8th month, 1831, the above memorial 
was read, and after solemn consideration, approved. 

Signed by direction of the Meeting, by 

William Stabler, Clerh. 

Read and approved at a Yearly Meeting of Friends, 
held in Baltimore, for the Western Shore of Marvland 
and the adjacent parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia, 
by adjournments, from the 29th of 10th month to 
the 31st of the same, inclusive, 1832. 

Philip Evan Thomas, Cleric. 



A Memorial of York Monthly Meeting, Pennsylvania, 
concerning our deceased friend, Thomas Wetherald. 

This our beloved friend was born in Bainbridge, 
Yorkshire, England, on the 14th of 1st month, 



90 

1791. He had a birthright and education in the 
Society of Friends, but whilst young in years, it 
appears, from his own account, that he wandered far 
from the Heavenly Father's house, led astray by the 
allurements of tlie world. In the succeeding years of 
his life, he often had to acknowledge the dangers he 
encountered, and the injuries ho sustained in his youth, 
by yielding too much to the excitements of a lively, 
but untutored imagination ; being, as he said, some- 
times transported to the high places of the earth ; 
whence the riches, the honors, and the pleasures of 
time were opened to his view, accompanied by the 
suggestion, that all these might be his if he would 
bow down and worship the god of this world. 

But through the adorable mercy of Infinite Goodness 
he was not permitted to rest in this state, but was closely 
followed by ^^ the reproofs of instruction, which are the 
way of life,'' and being at length met with, as " in the 
cool of the day," he was brought under deep condem- 
nation, on account of his transgressions. In this situa- 
tion, under much humiliation of spirit, being reduced 
to a state of great mental conflict and self-abasement, 
when, as he himself expressed it, " the heavens appeared 
as brass, and the earth as iron," taught by the things 
which he suffered, "he came to himself/' and felt de- 
sirous to return to the Father's house. He essayed to 
approach the throne of grace, saying, " If I perish, I 
will perish at thy footstool, begging mercy." When he 
became thus willing to submit to the operation of the 
Divine Hand, and patiently to endure the fiery baptism 
for a season, He who regards the truly penitent, and 



91 

wlio will not ^^ break the bruised reed, nor quench the 
smoking flax, until judgment is brought forth unto 
victory," was graciously pleased to regard his petitions, 
point out to him the true path, in which he might wit- 
ness salvation himself, and thereby become qualified to 
warn others and declare unto them what God had done 
for his soul. But notwithstanding he was thus favored 
through Divine assistance, to renounce the delusions of 
his youth, and *^ like a merchantman seeking goodly 
pearls, who when he had found one pearl of great 
price," was made willing to sell all that he had in order 
that he might possess this precious treasure. He still 
<?xperienced, through the weakness induced, in conse- 
quence of his early deviations, that his warfare was not 
yet accomplished, and that watchfulness is indispensable 
during the term of our probation. On this account, he 
was at times constrained, in the love of the Gospel, to 
warn the young and rising generation against the im- 
jn'oper indulgence of imagination, as well as against 
reading pernicious books, which fill the mind with de- 
ceptive notions; exhibit artificial views of life and 
manners; weaken attachment and devotion to sound 
principles, and destroy the relish for that salutary and 
substantial food which imparts nourishment to the 
soul. 

In the year 1819, with the concurrence of Friends, 
he removed, with his family, to the United States of 
America, and settled in Trenton, New Jersey ; and 
being faithful to the gift conferred upon him, and his 
Gospel communications being accompanied with a lively 
demonstration of the life and power of truth ; and 



92 

friends feeling near unity with him in these exercises, 
he was, in due time, recommended as a minister. 

After a few years' residence in Trenton, he removed 
to the city of Washington, within the limits of Alex- 
andria Monthly Meeting. During his residence there, 
he performed several extensive visits, in the love of the 
Gospel, to the meetings of Friends, in diiferent parts of 
this country. Situated as he was here, amidst a people 
but little acquainted wMth the doctrines and testimonies 
of Friends, and at a time when opinions prevailed rather 
unfavorable to our religious society, his residence at 
Washington afforded frequent opportunities of laying 
before them a correct statement of our principles. 
These opportunities were often embraced by him, in 
which he powerfully, faithfully, and perspicuously ex- 
plained the views of the Society, to the great satisfaction 
of many, who, before, were but partially informed res- 
pecting our religious views. 

Having at this time a young family just coming into 
active life, for whose interests in every relation, and 
particularly for whose preservation from the many 
hurtful things to which youth are liable, he felt a lively 
concern, and apprehending their situation in Washing- 
ton to be one of great exposure and danger, he believed 
it best, on their account, to seek a more retired residence. 
In 1829, he removed and settled on a farm, within the 
limits of our meeting, of which he was a diligent 
attender, both for worship and discipline. 

With the concurrence of his friends, he often 
appointed meetings amongst other religious professors, 
in which his communications were generally accept- 



i 



93 

able to those to whom they were addressed. For this 
service he was eminently qualified ; his testimonies for 
truth were clear and connected. They were addressed 
to the understanding, rather than to the passions of his 
hearers, and above all, his communications being 
seasoned with '^ salt, and delivered in the demonstration 
and power of the Spirit," it may be truly said, he was 
an able and eminent advocate of the noble cause which 
he had espoused. He was indeed, a ^' workman, that 
needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of 
truth,'' directing his hearers, not to men, nor to books 
for instruction, but to the immediate revelation of 
Christ in the soul, which ever has been, and which will 
always continue to be, the only way to life and salva- 
tion. Those extraordinary energies of mind with 
which he was endowed, and which, in early life, while 
uncontrolled by the regulating power of truth, which 
alone can educe order from confusion, in all those who 
remain passive under its meliorating operation, were 
impotent to deliver from the servitude of sin and cor- 
ruption, which have a tendency to divert from the 
path of rectitude, when brought under the dominion of 
sovereign grace, rendered him an efficient instrument 
in urging and enforcing on the minds of the people, 
clear and convincing evidences of things not seen by the 
natural eye, but distinctly apprehended, in that internal 
vision which is opened in the soul, by " the true light 
that lighteth every man, that cometh into the world ;" 
furnishing another signal evidence of the sufficiency of 
divine principle to establish harmony and peace in the 
soul. 



94 

He was a firm believer in the Divinity of our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ, who was, and who still is 
*'the wisdom and power of God," manifest in the flesh ; 
and he was often led to sp3ak of the glorious triumph 
of Divine love and power, displayed in the life and 
sufferings of the blessed Messiah, over all the powers 
of darkness and wickedness of men. 

Being of a benevolent disposition, he was, in his 
social intercourse, affable and cheerful ; in all his deal- 
ings he was strictly uprigiit, and in his habits, ex- 
emplary ; and although it was his lot to incur persecu- 
tion and calumny, in him was remarkably realised the 
example of his Divine Master, who, " when he was re- 
viled, reviled not again." 

In the 2d month, 1832, he opened in our monthly 
meeting, a prospect of visiting Fairfax Quarterly* 
Meeting, and of appointing some meetings in the course 
of his journey, as truth might open the way, and 
obtained a minute of concurrence. He left home and 
attended our quarterly meeting at Warrington, held the 
same month, intending to proceed thence on his pro- 
posed visit. At this meeting he was largely engaged 
in Gospel communication, both on the first and second 
days of the week, to a numerous assembly, composed of 
people of different denominations, explaining the true 
worship, and testifying that it consists not in words or 
set forms, but in a communion with the Divine Master, 
through the medium of His own good Spirit, proving 
that this revelation never had ceased, and affirming 
that it would continue to the end, and that nothing 
would obstruct its blessed operation, but resistance on J 



95 

our part to its righteous government. After speaking^ 
for a considerable time, he said, '^ Nature is giving way,, 
and I must draw to a close,'^ and then in a very feeling 
manner called the attention of the meeting to the great 
truths that had been addressed to them, remarking, 
that this would probably be the last opportunity of the 
kind he would ever have with them in mutability, and 
concluding by bidding them an affectionate farewell. 
After meeting he went to a friend's house, where he 
remained that afternoon, intending next morning to 
proceed on his way to Fairfax, but finding his health 
too precarious to admit of his pursuing the journey, he 
returned home. He attended but two meetings after- 
wards, in which he had good service. 

His indisposition, which proved to be an affection of 
*the breast, continuing to increase, medical aid was 
called in, and he appeared, in some measure, relieved. 
The opinion of his physician was, until within a few 
days of his decease, that he would recover. Being- 
asked his own feeling respecting the issue of the dis- 
ease, he replied, that " the end was hid from him, but 
said his confidence was unshaken ;" adding, " Will not 
the Judge of the whole earth do right?" The 
symptoms soon after becoming more alarming, his 
strength was so much prostrated, that he could com- 
municate but little, and that with difficulty. Yet in a 
letter to a friend, written not many days previous to 
his close, were the following expressions, ^^ Should ever 
any farther requisitions,' either in a private or more 
public way, be made, I hope to be faithful ; for never 
was the cause of truth and righteousness dearer to me, 
than in this state of extreme weakness.^' 



96 

He was preserved in a calm and composed state of 
mind, manifesting entire resignation throughout the 
whole of his illness, and after patient endurance of 
great bodilyaffl iction, he quietly departed this life, on 
the 1st day of 6th month, 1832, in the 42d year of 
his age, and was interred in Friends' burying-ground, 
at York, on the 3d of the same month, attended by a 
great concourse of Friendsa nd citizens. 

Signed in, and on behalf of York Monthly Meeting, 
held the 7th of 2d month, 1833. 



Jonathan Jessop, I p/ .z. 

Hannah Updegeaff, / ^^ ^* 



Read and approved by Warrington Quarterly 
Meeting, held the 11th of 2d month, 1833. 



Jonathan Jessop, \ r^j i 
Jane Jessop, / ^^^^*^^' 



A Testimony of Baltimere Monthly Meeting^ for the 
Western District, concerning our deceased friend, Eliza- 
beth Thomas. 

When a valuable example is removed, and the tender 
exhortations of a dear friend are no longer heard amongst 
us, we believe that it may be profitable to those who 
have experienced such privations, to preserve some 
memorial of the virtues which have once stood con- 
spicuous. Under the influence of these feelings, this 
brief account of the life of our beloved friend, Elizabeth 
Thomas, has been written. She was born in Kent Co.. 
in the State of Maryland, on the 18th of 2d month. 



I 



97 

1778. Her parents, Robert and Ann George, were ex- 
emplary members of the Society of Friends, and care- 
ful to educate their children in a knowledge of the 
principles which they professed. She was, however, 
deprived of both her parents about the 20th year of 
her age, and in consequence of this loss, was exposed to 
a path of great difficulty and danger. Upon their de- 
cease, she removed into the family of a near relation^ 
not members of our Society, and was thus introduced 
into a circle of gay and fashionable acquaintances ; but 
notwithstanding the attractions and allurements by 
which she was surrounded, she was remarkably pre- 
served in singleness of mind, and was a sincere lover of 
the truth. She had not made much outward profession 
of religion, but continued to be a constant attender of 
her meeting, although it was situated seven miles dis- 
tant from her residence, and was at that time without 
any outward ministry. In the 23d year of her age she 
was married to Philip E. Thomas, and removed to the 
city of Baltimore, where she continued to reside until 
the time of her death. The many excellent traits 
which adorned her character endeared her to all who 
knew her. 

Her natural disposition was cheerful and happy, her 
feelings were amiable and kind towards all, and to her 
family and friends she was tenderly attached. Pos- 
sessing an abundance of the things of this world, her 
mind was still preserved from the influence of its fasci- 
nating pleasures. 

The fleeting joys of life had not the power to detach 
her from the path of duty. 



98 

She viewed the things of time as unsubstantial 
treasure, and was sincerely desirous of laying a more 
sure foundation for everlasting peace. Thus impressed 
with a sense of our great responsibility as rational 
beings, her mind was seriously concerned for the future 
welfare of the whole human family, and about the year 
1804 she first appeared in public communication, 
tenderly inviting all to choose the Lord for their portion. 

Her Gospel labor being acceptable to her friends, she 
was in due time received by the meeting as an approved 
minister. Cherished and beloved by her friends, she 
lived in great harmony with them; but the endearing 
ties of domestic life were not permitted to engross her 
whole attention. In the midst of the bounties of Provi- 
dence and the enjoyment of social intercourse, she re- 
membered the poor and tenderly sympathised with the 
afflicted. 

And notwithstanding her constitution was delicate, 
tind the cares of a family were now resting upon her, she was 
^t all times interested in the cause of humanity, visiting 
the sick and administering consolation to the sufferer. 

When physical strength permitted, she was prompt 
in her exertions to alleviate tlie distresses of the needy, 
and the blessings which she had freely received were 
dispensed with a liberal hand. But whilst engaged in 
these acts of benevolence, she was ever careful to avoid 
an ostentatious display of her own works, and in many 
instances the grateful acknowledgments of those who 
had experienced her kindness conveyed the only in- 
formation which was possessed by her most intimate 
friends of what she had done. For several years pre- 



99 

vioiis to her death her health was gradually declining, 
iind she was frequently so much reduced by disease 
that there appeared but little prospect of her recovery. 

These afflictions she bore with that meekness which 
has ever characterised the true followers of Christ. In 
the latter part of the year 1835 a cancerous tumor was 
discovered in her breast, which subjected her to much 
severe suffering, and in condescension to the anxious 
wishes of her friends she submitted to a surgical opera- 
tion. 

But medical skill proved unavailing ; the disease 
again appeared witli increased violence, and though she 
was prevailed upon to have the operation repeated, she 
appeared herself perfectly sensible that no benefit would 
result from it. As the disease progressed her sufferings 
became still more severe, which produced extreme de- 
bility of the nervous system, and rapidly prostrated her 
remaining strength. She was still graciously supported 
through all her sufferings, frequently expressing an 
entire resignation to the Divine will, and a firm con- 
viction that this visitation was permitted, not wholly on 
her own account, but that if duly improved it would be 
sanctified to some others. In the early part of 9th month, 
1837, she became very feeble, so that she was seldom 
able to sit up, but still continued to converse with her 
friends. Upon one occasion, when surrounded by her 
family, after a time of solemn quiet she said, '' The day 
that I have just passed has been to me a season of sore 
and deep affliction, and oh ! that I may be supported in 
patience and resignation to bear the sufferings that may 
yet await me. I have all my life had an appalling dread 

9 

LOfC. 



100 

of death by cancer, from an apprehension of its lingering 
and excruciating misery ; but I now fervently crave that 
I may resign myself without a murmur to this dis- 
pensation. Many and sore have been the baptisnls 
that have been allotted me, and at times the billows 
have passed very high over my head ; but although my 
grain of faith has been tried to within a hair's-breadth, 
so far, it lias not wholly failed me, and I have never 
doubted the sufficiency of that power on which my soul 
has reposed for safety. And now, O Lord, may I once 
more be permitted to supplicate for a continuance of Thy 
mercy and goodness towards me in the awful and try- 
ing season to which I am approaching. Forsake me 
not, I beseech Thee, O God ! for I am sensible that it is 
Thou alone that can support me. Withhold not from 
me, O Father! a sense of Thy presence; be with me 
tlirongh the valley of the shadow of death, and grant 
that the dispensation may be sanctified, not only to my 
own further refinement, but that it may also be made a 
blessing to those around me." 

Notwithstanding her physical sufferings were extreme, 
her mind still continued to be clothed with a sweet in- 
ward peace, which was far more precious to her than all 
outward enjoyments. To a friend who called to see her, 
and who expressed much sympathy with her in her 
severe affliction, she replied, ^^Of ourselves we can do 
nothing; but through the adorable mercy of infinite 
goodness, so far, I have been sustained, and my mind is 
preserved in calmness and peace, and at times the lan- 
guage of my heart has been, ^ Return to thy rest, O my 
soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.'" 

During the night of 11th of 10th month she slept 



101 

unusually well, and on the following morning appeared 
to be refreshed, and was more free from pain than she 
had been for a long time. After giving directions re- 
specting some tokens of gratitude which she wished to 
have presented to the domestics in her family, slie calmly 
added : " There is now nothing in my way, and I have 
not any solicitude nor choice as regards the time of my 
departure, but feel wholly resigned to the Divine 
Will. A full assurance is given me that there is a 
place prepared for me, where there will be neither 
pain nor sorrow, but peace and joy forevermore.'^ 
From this time she remained in a tranquil state of mind, 
waiting the expected summons, and appearing to desire 
stillness rather than conversation. Her pain was fre- 
quently severe, and her strength continued gradually to 
decline until the morning of the 18th of 10th month, 
1837, when her gentle spirit was released, and, as one 
falling into an easy sleep, she quietly passed away, being 
in the 60th year of her age. 

Having submitted in early life to the purifying in- 
fluence of the Holy Spirit upon her mind, she was en- 
abled with unwavering faith to pursue her path of duty, 
and in the various relations of her domestic, social and 
religious obligations she was a precious example. And 
having carefully occupied the talents committed to her, 
we doubt not that her spirit has realised the ^fulfilment 
of the promise of our Divine Master, " Blessed are the 
pure in heart, for they shall see God.'' 

Approved and signed by direction of Baltimore 
Monthly Meeting for the Western District, held 6th 
month, 8th, 1838. 

Joseph Tuener, Jr., \ ^7 t. 
Eliza Marsh, / ^^^™' 



102 

Read and approved in Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
the 13th of 6th month, 1838, and signed by direction 
and on behalf thereof. 



John Gillingham, \ ^, j 
-r rt , r Clerks. 

Jane Gillingham, j 



Read and approved in the Meeting for Sufferings, 

held 29th, 10th month, 1838, and signed hy direction 

thereof. 

Wm. E. Bartlett, Clerk, 

Approved by Baltimore Yearly Meeting, held 10th 
month, 1838. 

William Stabler, \rrj j, 
Eliza Marsh, / cierics. 



A Testimony of Baltimore Monthly Meeting for the West- 
ern District, concerning our deceased friend, John Liv- 
ingston. 

He was born in Scotland, and emigrated to America 
about the year 1788, and soon after his arrival settled 
in Bladensburg, where he was engaged as the preceptor 
of an academy. After remaining about ten years in this 
station he removed to Alexandria, where he first became 
acquainted with some members of our Society and occa- 
sionally attended the meetings of Friends. 

In the year 1802 he was invited by the citizens of 
Frederick to accept of a situation in a literary institution 
in that city, to which he agreed, and accordingly re- 
moved there. 

During his residence in these several places it appears 



103 

that by his upright and correct deportment he ac- 
quired the respect and confidence of the inhabitants, and 
was held in very general esteem by them. 

In the year 1807 he was encouraged by some friends 
of Baltimore to open a school in this city, and from that 
period continued to reside amongst us until his death. 
From the time of his settlement here he became a steady 
attender at our meetings, and was, at his request, re-' 
ceived into membership. 

About the year 1812 he first appeared in the ministry, 
and though his communications were generally short, 
they were attended by a satisfactory evidence that he had 
been rightly anointed and called to this service, and he 
was, with the general unity of his friends, received as 
an approved minister. Being naturally endowed with a 
strong and comprehensive intellect, which was highly 
cultivated by a liberal education, and being faithful to 
the manifestations of Divine light upon his own mind, 
he became a valuable instrument in the cause of truth 
and righteousness; adorning the doctrines which he in- 
culcated by a life and conversation consistent with the 
precepts that he taught, and exhibiting in his deport- 
ment an upright and faithful example of moderation, 
humility and self-denial. 

During the latter part of his life he was frequently 
engaged in visiting the meetings of Friends within this 
and some of the neighboring yearly meetings, and a few 
years before his decease he made a visit to a part of the 
meetings within the limits of Ohio and Indiana Yearly 
Meetings. 

Though considerably advanced in life, his constitution 



104 

remained firm, and the powers of his mind appeared to 
have been in no way impaired ; he was, however, sud- 
denly, while in the full enjoyment of his accustomed 
health, attacked with a severe illness, which from its 
commencement gave strong indications of its fatal char- 
acter. He was sensible of his situation, but remained 
calm and resigned, bearing his affliction with great meek- 
ness aud patience. 

A short time before his decease, one of his attendants 
witnessing his severe suffering and extreme difficulty of 
breathing, said to him, " We feel much concerned for 
thee;" he replied,"! believe it, but there is no need : 
death is the inevitable lot of all — do not be too much 
concerned." Being then asked if he had any prospect 
as to how his disease would terminate, he said, " I have 
not, but feel altogether easy with respect to it, and per- 
fectly satisfied whatever may be the result." 

The following morning, upon his expressing that the 
night he had just passed had been one of very great suf- 
fering, and tliat he now apprehended a speedy change, 
he was asked if there were any whom he wished par- 
ticularly to see; he replied that if it should be the 
opinion of the physician that he might live a few hours 
longer, he would be glad to see all his friends. A 
friend present then asked him if he had anything further 
to recommend to them than that principle of truth 
within to which he had so often been concerned to in- 
vite their attention. Upon which he said with much 
earnestness, " No, no, nothing more. It is sufficient. 
I feel that iu this time of trial, it is able to support and 
sustain my mind in perfect peace," with many more 
expressions of the same import. 



105 

The physician then coming iti, he inquired of him as 
to the probable time that he might continue, and not 
receiving an immediate answer, he said emphatically, 
*' Doctor, I have no fear ; I have for many years en- 
deavored to keep my mind in unity with the Divine 
principle, and so to live that I might be in readiness 
to render up my life to Him who gave it. I feel quite 
€asy, and my heart is filled with love to all mankind.'' 

Observing that his wife was much overcome with 
grief, he desired her to be composed and to give him up, 
saying, " Do not hold me ; be thankful that we have 
lived so happily together. There is nothing in my 
way; my heart is filled with peace and love." He 
then gave messages of love to some of his absent rela- 
tives, and particularly naming one of them, he added, 
■'^ And tell her that I die in the faith in which I have 
lived." 

Hi« powers of expression having nearly failed, he 
took an aifectionate leave of all present, breathed very 
gently a few minutes, and expired as a child falling 
iisleep — thus affording the most unquestionable evidence 
that his redeemed spirit has entered into that rest pre- 
pared for the righteous from the foundation of the 
world. He departed this life on the morning of the 
:27th of 2d month, 1838, after an illness of about four 
days, being in the 73d year of his age. 

Approved and signed by direction of Baltimore 

Monthly Meeting for the Western District, held 6th 

montli, 8th, 1838. 

Joseph Tuener, Jr., ) ^j . 
Eliza Marsh, J ^^^^*^'^- 



106 

Read and approved in Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
the 13th of 6th month, 1838, and signed by direction 
and on behalf thereof. 



John Gillingh am, 1 rii ,]. 
Jane Gillingham, j 



Read and approved in the Meeting for Sufferings, held 

28th of 10th month, 1838, and signed by direction 

thereof. 

Wm. E, Bartlett, Clerh, 

Approved by Baltimore Yearly Meeting, held 10th 

month, 1838. 

William Stabler, \ ^j 7 
Eliza Marsh, / ^^^''''^• 



A Memorial of Fairfax Monthly Meeting, concerni?ig Jesse 
GovER, vjho departed this life the 12th of 11th month, 
1842, in the blst year of his age. 

Our esteemed friend, Jesse Gover, had a birthright 
among Friends, and also his education, until he was of 
a suitable age for apprenticeship, when he was placed 
out of the neighborhood of Friends, and with a man 
who was not a member. This circumstance afforded 
him an opportunity to depart from some of the requisi- 
tions of the Society, yet he said his right of membership 
was like an outward hedge or guard about him, which, 
with Divine assistance, res trained him from immoral acts. 

About the thirty-fifth year of his age his mind be- 
came seriously impressed with a sense of duty to Him 
who had hitherto preserved him, and who alone he felt 



107 

to be able to lead and sustain him through life. Being 
thus concerned to come forward in obedience to the teach- 
ings of the Spirit of Truth, in a way to be useful to his 
fellow-creatures, and conducive to his own everlasting 
happiness, he felt himself called to the ministry, and by 
obedience to the call he improved in his gift, ac- 
knowledging the power which regulates all Gospel min- 
istry, and the insufficiency of human wisdom without it. 
He learned from experience that it is now as it was in 
times which are passed: whoever moves rightly in the 
ministry must attend to the teaching of the Holy 
Spirit, which alone is sufficient to lead the humble and 
obedient traveller in safety through this world of pro- 
bation. Christ, the divine leader and teacher of His 
people, goeth forth before His servants and directeth 
them in the way of righteousness. But many, through 
unwillingness to follow Him, and by indulging in self- 
ish propensities, let the good seed which is sown in 
them perish in the wilderness of this world's cares and 
allurements. This having been known to our dear de- 
parted friend, he earnestly admonished us to be obedi- 
ent and receive instruction to build a spiritual ark of 
safety from the floods of this world's wickedness. A 
short time before his last sickness he was led in his pub- 
lic testimonies to view the awful ness of death (espe- 
cially as regards the unregenerate and unprepared), and 
said, "It was approaching near some present, it might 
l^e himself, or it might be some other; if himself, 
it was a matter of no great alarm, as he felt a will- 
ingness to go when his day's work was done and his 
Divine Master called him to rest." 



108 

During his kvSt sickness he was for about six weeks 
mostly confined to his bed, and he was preserved in much 
resignation and Christian fortitude, expressing that he 
felt entirely resigned to the will of his Heavenly Fa- 
ther, and that it was matter of astonishment to him 
how everything connected with this world was kept out 
of his mind. He expressed much love for the mem- 
bers of this meeting, with desires for their advancement 
in the best things ; and when speaking of individuals, he 
said he desired their attention to the things that belong 
to their everlasting peace. When several of his family 
were sitting in the room, he said, " Oh, seek wisdom from 
above, which is peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, 
full of mercy and good fruits, and will ever direct you 
aright. '' 

He greatly desired for his children that they should 
walk in wisdom's ways, and that they might live in the 
truth. He had expected to attend Baltimore Yearly 
Meeting, which was held at the time of his illness, and 
one day he observed, " I never wanted to be at our 
yearly meeting more than I wished to be at this, but He 
that does all things right has ordered it otherwise," and 
expressed that he felt sweet peace to clothe his mind. 
At another time he said this passage of Scripture pre- 
sented to him, " They that wait upon the Lord shall re- 
new their strength," and added, the truth of this he had 
experienced. 

During his sickness he frequently appeared in suppli- 
cation. He often said that he never loved his friends 
more than at that time, and that he felt nothing but 
love for all mankind — that it reigned over all; that he 



109 

felt comfort, the arm of Divine goodness being under- 
neath to support. He was a recommended minister up- 
wards of ten years, in which time he travelled in the 
ministry in Ohio and several times in different parts of 
Pennsylvania. He frequently visited our neighboring 
meetings, and when at home was diligent in attending 
our own. He often expressed the great consolation ex- 
perienced in solemn, silent worship, and the importance 
of a guarded care not to interrupt such solemnity by 
iiny creatnrely activity. His labors of love were edify- 
ing, and while we deeply feel his loss, we are comforted 
in believing that he rests with the faithful of all ages 
who have been made perfect through resignation to the 
Divine will. 

Signed by direction and on behalf of Fairfax Monthly 
Meeting, held the 10th of 5th month, 1843. 

AVm. B. Steer, ) ^, , 
Susan Walker, J ^^^^'^'^* 

E-ead and approved by Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, 
held at Goose Creek, the 21st of 8th month, 1843, and 
directed to be forwarded to the Meeting for Sufferings. 



Henry S. Taylor, \ pj t. 

Susan Walker, / ^^ ** 



Read and approved by the Meeting for Sufferings, 
held in the city of Baltimore, by adjournment, 10th 
month, 30th, 1843. 

Wm. E. Bartlett, Clerk, 



no 



A Memorial of Gunpowder Monthly Meeting^ concerning 
our deceased friend Mary .D. PricEj loife of Mordecai 
Price of Samuel. 

As this our dj-parted friend has finished her course, 
and we doubt not has received a crown of life in the 
mansions of eternal rest and peace, w^e feel a concern for 
the encouragement of survivors to give forth a testimony 
concerning her. 

Her parents were Moses and Hannah Dillon, mem- 
bers of the religions Society of Friends; in which she 
was educated. She has often been heard to say thaty 
" in very early life (about the tenth year of her age) she 
was impressed with a belief that, though we might not 
be able to read a ^vord, the grace of God, which bringeth 
salvation, and hath appeared unto all, is sufficient, if 
attended to, to guide us safely througli all the varied 
trials and vicissitudes of this probationary scene." Thi& 
faith continued with her through life. In a meeting,, 
about a year before her death, she said, '' if it were to 
be her last testimony, she had nothing else to recom- 
mend us to, but to be gathered inward to the witness of 
God in the soul, that we inight experience light, life 
and love, to rise into dominion, whereby we might be 
enabled to unite in an anthem of praise to Him w^ho 
maketh the sun to shine on the evil and on the good." By 
attention to this Divine principle she was mercifully 
preserved through the slippery paths of youth ; so that, 
when invited by her friends (some of whom were in 
fashionable life) to join them in their amusements and 
parties of pleasure, she consented not ; and by faithfully 



Ill 

attending to the guidance of the Spirit of Truth, she 
never, as she said, knowingly "deviated in point of lan- 
guage, dress, or manner, though her natural disposition 
being very lively an ^ active, much inclined her to in- 
dulge in these things. ' In the twenty-seventh year of 
her age she a}>pt are<l in the ministry, and being taught 
in the schroJ of Christ, and faithful to his teachings, 
she was niU'ii favored, like the good Scribe, " to bring 
forth of her treasure things new and old." She was 
remarkably qualified to administer to the various states 
of the people, comforting the mourners in Zion, encour- 
po'-;g the hindmost of the flock, arousing the lukewarm 
Had indifferent, and faithfully warning the backsliders 
and rebellious. She was often deeply exercised on account 
of " the immoderate anxiety and exertions for the 
things of this world, which she said prevailed too much 
amongst us, and occasioned dimness of sight, and blast- 
ing and mildew to that fruit which the Father in Heaven 
was looking for." Yet, she " knew it was right to be 
diligent in procuring the necessary comforts of this life, 
and that her mind was frequently favored with peace 
and satisfaction when laboring honestly to obtain them." 
In accordance with PauFs testimony, she believed that 
" our own hands should minister to our necessities." 
With the concurrence and unity of her Monthly Meet- 
ing, she at several times obtained minutes to travel 
abroad, and sometimes to visit the families of her own 
and other meetings ; in which service she was acceptable. 
Her concern for her own family, whom she tenderly 
loved, was unceasing, often engaging her to call them 
together, to wait in silence, and encourage them to be^ 
10 



112 

come followers of Christ within, by which they would 
experience the blessing of preservation through the 
chequered scenes of life, and witness that peace which 
sweetens every bitter cup — that peace which the world 
with all its pleasures cannot give, neither with all its 
adversity take away. This, she said, was her prayer 
for them more than for any earthly treasure. When 
prevented by sickness, at one time, from attending meet- 
ing, she said, " I have endeavored as much as in me 
lies, to watch over my children for good, and keep them 
out of the way of evil, in their infantile years, taking 
them with me to our religious meetings, with sincere 
desires that neither worldly care, nor worldly profit, 
should prevent us from assembling together for the pur- 
pose of Divine worship ; and it is now my great desire 
that my children may be preserved alive in that prin- 
ciple which would enable them to perform this reason- 
able duty; through which they would become useful 
members in the Society to which they are attached; 
and when they shall be called upon to give up their 
stewardship, whether in the days of their youth, or fur- 
ther advanced in life, they may find a place of rest for 
their souls." 

In 1839, twelfth month, 19th, she wrote thus : " I feel 
deep affliction of mind, and am not able to see the in- 
tention or event, but beg for preservation and patience 
in the faith of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; for 
I know that the blessed foundation of God standeth 
sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are 
His; and no other foundation can be laid than is already 
laid, which is Christ, the Rock of Ages, against which 



113 

nothing shall be able to prevail. In full assurance of 
this, may est thou, O my soul ! be gathered daily in 
firmness and stability, in close attention and watchful- 
ness ; that when under proving and trial, I may ex- 
perience deliverance through His p(3wer from all the 
wiles of the wicked; and I believe as I endeavor to 
keep in faith and patience. He will open the way, as 
He has often done, for the relief of my mind. Oh ! that 
all who desire to be true followers of Christ would be- 
lieve, and trust in the all-sufficiency of the power of His 
resurrection renewed in us; that we might mercifully 
escape the many snares iu which the unguarded are 
often entangled.'' 

At another time she wrote, " I feel, this morning, a 
quiet mind, which I desire to be humbly thankful for, 
and to prize more than the gold of Ophir. In this 
state of mind I queried with myself to know if I had 
aught against any. I could not find that I was accused 
with hard tiioughts, nor any feeling that would come 
under the ilescription of envy, hatred, or malice. How 
precious is that feeling that can breathe glory to God 
in the highest, on earth peace, and good will to men ! 
Oh ! how often we ought to try ourselves, prove our- 
selves, to know what spirit we are of; whether of the 
spirit of Christ, or of the spirit of anti-Christ ; and en- 
deavor, under every dispensation, however proving and 
hard for flesh and blood to bear, to keep in the Vine, 
which is Christ, that we may be fruit-bearing branches 
to the praise of the great Husbandman." 

She was kind and affectionate to her friends, sympa- 
thised deeply with the afflicted of every class and de- 



114 

scription, and extended a helping hand whenever and 
wherever it was in her power, being faithful to the 
smallest intimations of duty. It might be truly said of 
her, like Mary of old, she had chosen that good part 
which should not be taken from her. 

AVithin the last few years of her life, and in a de- 
clining state of health, she passed through a series of 
afflictions with entire resignation to the Divine Will ; 
often using the words of Job, '' Shall we receive good 
at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil ?" 
During this time she twice visited some parts of Penn- 
sylvania. The last time, in very feeble health, she at- 
tended the Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, and some 
adjacent meetings, and was favored to return with the 
reward of peace and satisfaction to her own mind. This 
seemed nearly the finishing of her work ; though she " 
attended her own meeting, during the summer, as often 
as she was able. 

In the beginning of the tenth month, 1843, she was 
confined to her room, with a chill, hectic fever, and 
cough, which gradually wore her away without much 
pain. She lay in great peace and composure of mind ; 
saying she felt that she was passing a pleasant winter, 
that her work was done, that she had done it in the day 
time; that her Heavenly Father had brought her 
through all her trials and afflictions, and that she could 
then praise and adore His holy name, who liveth forever. 
Thus she lay, apparently without a cloud to intervene, 
until the 23d of 2d month following, on the morning of 
which, a friend being present, and her husband entering 
the room, she remarked, '^ that the time of her depar- 



115 

ture had nearly arrived, but a few hours more." He 
said he thought so. She then feelingly said, ^* What a 
Heavenly Father ! What a Heavenly Father ! What a 
blessing ! " and shortly after quietly departed in the 63d 
year of her age. She was buried in Friends' burying 
ground at Gunpowder, on the afternoon of the 25th of 
the same month. 

She has left us an example which, if we are faithful 
to follow, we too may, in the winding up of all things 
here below, have the same evidence that she had, that 
our work is done, and receive the answer of " Well 
done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the 
joy of thy Lord." 

Signed on behalf of Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, 
held 7th of eighth month, 1844, by 

Elias Matthews, \ rij j, 
Edith M. Price, / ^^^^'^^' 

Read and approved by Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
held at Gunpowder the 9th of ninth month, 1844, and 
directed to be forwarded to the Meeting for Sufferings., 

Caleb Stabler, Xni i- 
Mary B. Husband, I^^^^^^- 

Read and approved by the Meeting for Sufferings, 
held in the city of Baltimore by adjournment, tenth 
month, 2.6th, 1844, and signed on behalf thereof, by 

Wm. E. Bartlett, Clerh. 



116 

A Memorial of Centre Monthly Meeting in Centre County, 
Pennsylvania, concerning William Fisher. 

As the memory of the righteous is often blessed to 
survivors, we feel a concern to preserve the following 
testimony concerning our beloved friend, William 
Fisher, lately deceased. He was born of exemplary 
parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Fisher, in Chester 
County, Pennsylvania, on the 21st of 1st month, 1751, 
where he resided until the year. 1800, when he removed 
with his family and settled within the verge of what now 
composes this meeting. Here he remained until his de- 
cease, filling for many years the important station of an 
Elder of the Church, for which service he was well 
qualified, being concerned to extend a word of encourage- 
ment to the diffident and unassuming, and also to re- 
prove forward spirits by his mild and gentle admoni- 
tions. 

Being naturally of an even temper, and having yielded 
to the influence of Divine Love, that voice of good 
which speaks within the soul, as clearly manifested in 
his life and conversation, it appears to have gained for 
him the good will and esteem of his neighbors and ac- 
quaintances generally, and qualified him for a peace- 
maker in his neighborhood ; in which capacity he was 
often engaged. 

The following circumstance, as related to a friend by 
himself, is deemed worthy of notice : Two neighbors, 
laboring under some difficulty in regard to their deal- 
ings, agreed to go to his house and refer the matter to 
him. Upon consideration, he invited them into a pri- 
vate room, and after hearing them, advised them in his 



117 

mild and gentle manner, " to leave self in the other 
room " and he thought they could settle the difficulty 
themselves. This had such an impression on their 
minds, that they succeeded in settling their differences 
without his further aid or assistance, and parted good 
friends, thus realising the truth of that saying of Jesus, 
" Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called 
the children of God/^ 

He was a remarkably kind and loving husband, a 
benevolent parent, and in short he was hospitable to all ; 
administering to their necessities, both spiritual and tem- 
poral, as far as he was of ability, often expressing that 
he had (with the blessing of Heaven) as much of this 
world's goods as he desired, which was a comfortable 
home. 

His Christian feelings were strongly enlisted for the 
sufferings and privations of the people of color, and he 
held a prominent place among his fellow-citizens as an 
advocate of this oppressed class, often pleading their 
cause in the spirit of meekness and love. He was also 
concerned to stir up the minds of Friends to a close ex- 
amination of this important testimony, that the standard 
of truth and justice might be exalted. His interest in this 
righteous cause increased with his years so much, that 
during the latter part of his life he entirely refrained from 
the use of the productions of unrequited toil. He also felt 
a lively interest for the welfare of the aborigines of our 
country, and watched with deep concern those measures 
which affected their rights ; being frequently engaged in 
portraying the wrongs and cruelties inflicted upon them; 
and in striving to awaken a sense of justice in their 
behalf. 



118 

He was a faithful attender of the meeting to which he 
belonged, which was very small for many years, it being 
often his lot to be one of two or three assembled ; yet 
according to his own account, he many times experienced 
the fulfilment of the Master's promise, " Where two or 
three are gathered togetlier in my name, there am I in 
the midst of them.'' He was favored to see the meet- 
ing considerably increased, in which he manifested a 
lively interest, desiring that Friends might practically 
carry out those noble and dignified testimonials, as pro- 
fessed by the Society, which promote peace on earth and 
good will to all mankind. 

He was a good example in just dealing, and en- 
deavored strictly to comply with his engagements. And 
as he advanced to old age, his mind became centred on 
Divine things, and consequently his conversation was 
much of Heaven. His heart and house appeared to be 
always open to the reception of the weary traveller. 

As age and infirmity of body increased, he became 
unable to attend meeting for some months previous to 
his death ; yet he often expressed that he still had the 
Comforter, which had been with him through life, as 
his support in old age and infirmity. 

He was always rejoiced to see his friends, often hav- 
ing a word of encouragement for them, to be faithful in 
performing that which was made manifest by the light 
of truth. By attending to that principle, he had been 
preserved in a good degree from giving way to the many 
temptations with which we are all surrounded. 

He often expressed a willingness, or rather a desire, to 
be released yet desiring that the Lord's will (and not 



119 

his own) might be done. Indulging the comfortable 
reflection that he had endeavored to do his day's work 
in the day-time, he appeared to be waiting in full ex- 
pectation and unwavering confidence of receiving the 
joyous message of " Well done, good and faithful ser- 
vant, enter thou into the joy of thy God." In this 
blessed state the tried and faithful spirit enjoys the com- 
munion of all that have realised in their experience that 
the Lord "is a refiner with fire and a fuller with soap/' 
cleansing and purifying from all sin and defilement, and 
preparing the soul to enjoy the full fruition of bliss and 
repose through the endless age of eternity. May these 
things excite in us, his survivors, a living concern for 
our own establishment on the alone sure foundation of 
justice and truth, and for the promotion of truth and 
righteousness in the earth. 

During his last illness he frequently expressed the 
gratitude he felt for the many blessings bestowed upon 
him. 

He observed one day to a friend sitting by, "Blessed 
are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, 
for they shall be filled." He also made many other in- 
structive remarks, at various times. 

His weakness increasing, his strong constitution gra- 
dually gave way. He retained his mental faculties with 
the exception of a few days, until near the close, which 
occurred on the 3d of 7th month, 1845, when he quietly 
and peacefully departed in the ninety-second year of his 
age. 

His body was interred on the 5th in Friends' bury- 
ing ground at Bald Eagle. 



120 

A Testimony from Little Falls Monthly Meeting^ in the 
State of Maryland, concerning Judith Preston. 

In a lively remembrance of the exemplary life of 
our dear friend, Judith Preston, we feel engaged to 
record a brief testimony concerning her, in order that 
others, seeing the blessed fruits of her dedication to the 
principle of truth, a measure, or manifestation of which 
is graciously given to us all, may be encouraged to 
" walk by the same rule, and mind the same thing." 

She was the daughter of Isaac and Hannah Hollings- 
worth, late of New Castle county, in the State of Dela- 
ware, and was born on the 21st of twelfth month, 1776. 
Her mother had her birth and education among the 
Episcopalians, and in the bringing up of her children 
was not concerned to lay them under those restraints in 
relation to plainness which we believe the truth leads 
into. With a lively relish for social enjoyments, and a 
strong disposition to indulge in fashionable dress, she 
was left at liberty, and furnished with the means to 
gratify her taste in the choice of her apparel. She has 
been heard to say, that under these circumstances, when 
at a store, engaged in buying her clothing, she felt the 
circumscribing influence of truth on her mind so clearly, 
that she was constrained to purchase contrary to her 
natural inclination, and that, in thus yielding to her 
convictions, she found great peace of mind. Thus, by 
an early submission to the cross of Christ, she was en- 
abled to withstand the ensnaring allurements incident 
to youth, and attained that cheerful serenity of mind 
and stability of deportment which marked her character 
through all the vicissitudes of her future life. 



121 

About the twentieth year of her age she requested to 
be received into membership with Friends, and her re- 
quest being granted, she became a member of Center 
Monthly Meeting, one of the constituent branches of 
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. 

On the 19th of fourth month, 1797, she was 
joined in marriage with our friend David Preston, and 
in that relation sustained the character of a true and 
faithful helpmeet for more than forty-eight years. 
As the head of a family, she looked well " to the ways 
of her household," not eating " the bread of idleness ;" 
nevertheless she was "a lover of hospitality,'^ "mindful 
to entertain strangers," and cheerfully exerted herself 
for their accommodation. 

In the education of her children she was religiously 
concerned that they might be furnished with instruction 
to fit them for usefulness in this life ; but above all, 
that they might, by submission to the visitations of the 
Heavenly Father's love, be prepared for the higher en- 
joyments of that life which shall never have an end. 
When engaged in the necessary concerns of the day, 
with her little family of children around her, she would 
frequently cause one of them to read aloud in the Bible, 
or some other instructive book, for the improvement of 
the whole, thus endeavoring to make such occasions 
profitable, both to the interests of this world and of 
that which is to come. She discouraged the reading of 
much of the light literature which so greatly abounds 
in the present day; believing from her own experience, 
that it had a tendency to draw the mind away from 
that state of watchfulness to which we are all emphati- 



122 

cally called. Instead of works of fiction, she frequently 
recommended the perusal of the scriptures of truth, and 
such other books as would furnish profitable instruction 
to the mind, and qualify for usefulness both in civil and 
religious society. 

By example and precept she endeavored to bring up 
lier family in the regular attendance of meetings for 
divine worship ; never admitting any trifling inconve- 
nience as a sufficient excuse for remaining at home ; 
but often pressed through great difficulties to join with 
her' brethren and sisters, in making this public acknow- 
ledgment of our obligations to the bountiful ^' Giver of 
every good and perfect gift." And when assembled 
for this solemn purpose, she was an instructive example 
of reverent waiting upon God, and of fervent labor for 
that " bread which cometh down from heaven and giveth 
life to the world." John vi, 33. 

In the course of her religious progress she had to 
pass through some deep baptisms, under which she was 
concerned patiently to bear her afflictions, and quietly 
submit to the Divine will. On one of these occasions, 
as she afterwards mentioned to a friend, she was brought 
so low, under a sense of the many besetments attending 
her, that she desired death rather than life. Upon which 
a language was intelligibly addressed to her spiritual 
ear, saying, " Thou must be in the world, but not of the 
world." Having thus passed through those dispensa- 
tions which prepare for service in the militant church, 
she became qualified tenderly to sympathise with the 
afflicted, and to be helpful as " a companion in tribula- 
tion" with the traveller Zionward ; being, at times. 



123 

with much feeling, enabled to drop " a word in season to 
them that were weary/^ Isaiah 1. 4. In seasons of 
sickness and suffering, she was actively engaged as a 
skilful and tender nurse, and as such, will long be 
affectionately remembered by her neighbors and friends, 
to whose relief she cheerfully devoted her time and 
talents. 

About the year 1 806, she removed with her husband 
and family to the State of Maryland, and settled within 
the compass of Little Falls preparative meeting, then 
a branch of Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, when she 
was appointed to the station of an Elder, in which she 
was continued during the remainder of her life, fulfilling 
its duties in true humility and with souud judgment, to 
the entire satisfaction of Friends, and benefit of the 
church, being often dipped into feeling sympathy with 
those who were called to " labor in the word and 
doctrine/' As a disciplinarian she was careful for the 
preservation of good order, and in her labors for that 
end, evinced much of that *^ wisdom which is pure, 
peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy 
and good fruits, without partiality and without hypoc- 
risy." 

On the morning of the day on which she died, she 
desired her family might be called into her chamber, 
saying she wished to take leave of them while her 
mental and bodily strength were sufficient for the pur- 
pose. To her daughters she addressed herself in a 
very affectionate manner, saying, " Be good girls. You 
know what is right. You have been good children to 
me ; the Lord will reward you." To one of her sons 
11 



124 

she expressed herself more at large, though with some 
difficulty, and concluded by saying, " A moral life is 
not a sufficient preparation for such a time as this." 
And then, after cautioning her young family not to 
suffer the world, or the things of the world, to have too 
deep a place in their affections, she said, " God is an all- 
sufficient helper to those who trust in Him and obey 
Him, often making a way for them where there has 
appeared no way." Then, after a solemn pause, she 
added, ^* Now I leave you to the Lord." 

To a friend wlio spoke to her concerning the change 
about to take place, she mentioned her satisfaction at 
the prospect ; and after expressing a sense of her many 
deficiencies, she said, "But if we are sufficiently 
humble, they will not be laid to our charge." 

About 8 o'clock the same evening, after an illness of 
ten days, she quietly departed this life the 29th of 8th 
month, 1845, in the sixty-ninth year of her age, leaving 
her friends and relatives the well-grounded hope that 
she has entered the mansions of everlasting rest; and 
on the 31st of the same, her remains were interred in 
Friends' burial-ground at Little Falls. 

Signed by direction of the Monthly Meeting, held the 
3d of third month, 1846, by 



^Benjamin P. Moore, \ ^7 t. 
Martha E. Tyson, / ^^^^^^• 



Read in, and approved by Baltimore Quarterly 
Meeting, held the 9th of third month, 1846, by 



Caleb Stabler, \ ^, , 

Mary B. Husband, / ^^^^'^^^ 



125 

Read, approved, and directed to be printed, by Bal- 
timore Yearly Meeting of Friends, held 26th of 10th 
month, 1846, and signed by direction thereof, by 

Thomas P. Stabler, \ r>j t, 
Maetha E. Tyson, / ^^^^^' 



A Memorial from Indian Spring Monthly Meeting^ in Mary- 
land, concerning owr^eceasecZ/ne?ic?, Deborah Stabler. 

In commemoration of a life of faithfulness to the 
manifestations of light and truth upon her mind, we 
are induced to record our sense of the life and character 
of this our dear friend. 

She was born at Beaver Dam, in Goochland County, 
and State of Virginia, on the 25th of 11th month, 1763. 
Her parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Pleasants, were ex- 
emplary and valuable members of the Society of Friends, 
and she has often been heard gratefully to acknowledge 
the benefits derived from their tender solicitude and 
affectionate care for her present and future welfare. 

According to the testimony of her contemporaries, 
she was distinguished, even in early life, by a circum- 
spect and prudent deportment, which obtained for her 
the confidence of a large circle of acquaintance and re- 
lations, and rendered her the object of their affectionate 
regard. 

In the twenty-sixth year of her age she entered into 
the married state with William Stabler, of Petersburg, 
Virginia, and soon afterward they went to reside at 
Leesburg, in Loudoun County, of that State. In the 



126 

year 1793 they removed from Leesbiirg and settled 
near Sandy Spring Meeting House, in Montgomery 
County, Maryland, where she continued to reside during 
the remainder of her life. In this important movement 
they were careful not only to wait for satisfactory evi- 
dence of its propriety in their own minds, but to obtain 
the approbation of her father and other valued friends. 

As she advanced in age, through obedience to the 
manifestations of truth, her heart became enlarged in 
the love of the Gospel, for the best interests and welfare 
of herself and others ; and through faithfulness to 
Divine requirings, she became eminently useful by her 
example and instructive conversation, both to the mem- 
bers of her own religious society, and to a large and ex- 
tensive acquaintance with others. 

About the year 1804 she became exercised under a 
prospect that she should be called into the work of the 
ministry. The concern of her mind, preparatory to 
entering on this important service, was deep and weighty. 
Under the operation of the Divine power, which re- 
duces the creature into a humbling sense of its own 
inability to do any good thing, she was brought into a 
very low state both of body and mind ; and when finally 
called into the service, her health and strength were so 
mucli reduced that she had to be carried into the meet- 
ing where she first appeared as a Gospel minister. 

In the future exercise of her gift, her communications 
being attended with the life and power of truth, were 
acceptable to her friends ; and she was soon afterwards 
recommended by the monthly meeting of which she 
was a member, as a minister of the Gospel. In this 



127 

capacity, with the approbation of her friends, she several 
times paid religious visits to the meetings within the 
verge of her native State, and other places, particularly 
in the States of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Her appear- 
ances in the ministry, though frequent, were never long 
or burdensome ; but uniformly accompanied with an 
evidence that her qualifications for the work were de- 
rived from the fountain of all good. Like "the scribe 
who is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven," she 
was enabled frequently to "bring forth out of the 
treasure, things new and old," to the comfort and edifi- 
cation of her friends and others. 

In the year 1806 she was brought into deep trial and 
suffering by the sickness and death of her affectionate 
husband, through all whicli slie was sustained by the 
Divine arm in patience and resignation. After his 
decease, she wrote a short account of him for the benefit 
of survivors, from which the following is an extract : 
" Thus ended the useful life of my amiable and ten- 
derly affectionate husband, and on the day following, 
his remains were interred in Friends' burying-ground, 
after which a solemn meeting was held, and a living 
testimony borne to the all-sufficiency of that power 
which had enabled him to maintain the conflict through 
much suffering, and finally, I trust, to find rest from all 
trouble." 

The natural endowments of her mind were large, 
and by a patient submission to the Divine will, and to 
those baptisms which refine and purify the heart, she 
became qualified for extensive usefulness in the church. 
With clear perceptions and a sound judgment in things 



128 

pertaining to the discipline of tiie Society, she was emi- 
nently serviceable in the yearly meetings as well as in 
other meetings, for the support of our Christian testi- 
monies, and of the good order established among us. 
Thus by a faithful attention to her duties as a member 
of the body, and humble reliance on the blessed head 
of the church, through whose mercy she had been sup- 
ported in many trials and afflictions, she was enabled, 
in the full assurance of faith, to testify, that she had 
" not followed cunningly devised fables, but the pure, 
living, eternal substance." 

During a long life she continued to discharge her 
duties as a parent, friend, and neighbor, with fidelity 
and diligence; in all which relations she possessed the 
full confidence and most affectionate regard of those 
among whom her lot had been cast. Being much con- 
cerned for the welfare of her children, she faithfully ex- 
erted all the influence of a mother's love, to guard them 
from the corruptions that are in the world, and often 
with deep solicitude and reverence of soul, approached 
the footstool of Divine mercy in prayer on their behalf. 

In the latter part of her life she was subject to much 
suffering from indisposition and bodily infirmity, and 
for several years before her death was seldom able 
to attend meetings for Divine worship. But having 
done her day's work in the day-time, and discharged 
with fidelity the duties of her stewardship, we believe, 
under all her trials, she enjoyed the happy assurance 
that there was laid up for her a crown of righteousness 
which fadeth not away. 

For several months previous to her decease, the 



129 

powers of nature gradually declined, without much in- 
crease of her sufferings. During this period she often 
mentioned her conviction that the time of her departure 
wes very near at hand, and expressed a fervent desire 
that she might be preserved patiently to wait in the will 
of her Divine Master to the end. 

As the time of her removal approached, no cloud 
obscured her vision, no darkness veiled her prospects of 
the future. Her understanding remained unimpaired 
apparently to the last moment of her life, and after an 
illness of five days she quietly departed this life, on the 
27th of 6th month, 1845, in the eighty-second year of 
her age. 

Signed by direction and on behalf of Indian Spring 
Monthly Meeting, held 1st month, 7th, 1846, by 

Caleb Stablee, \ rii i 
Saeah T. Beooke, / ^^^™- 

Read and approved by Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
held 9th of 3d month, 1846. 

Caleb Stablee, Xr? i 
Maey B. Husband, / ^^^™' 

Read, approved, and directed to be printed by Balti- 
more Yearly Meeting of Friends, held 26th of 10th 
month, 1846, and signed by direction thereof, by 

Thomas P. Stablee, \ ^7 t. 
Maetha E. Tyson, / ^^^^^^^' 



130 

A Testimony from Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, in the 
State of Maryla^jid, concerniny our beloved friend^ Mary 
Matthews, deceased. 

She was the daughter of Thomas and Catharine 
Cooper, of Baltimore County, Maryland, and was born 
7th month, 15th, 1779. In her youth she was much re- 
strained from unprofitable company. Her parents, how- 
ever, not being members of our religious society, she had 
but little knowledge of its principles until she went to 
reside amongst Friends, at about the 16th year of her 
age. By the influence of their example, and the opera- 
tion of the Divine Spirit on her mind, she began, as she 
said, to feel drawn in love towards this Society ; and, 
near the 21st year of her age, made a request to Gun- 
powder Monthly Meeting to be united in membership 
with Friends, which request was granted. 

Under a weighty sense of the importance of such a 
change, she has often been heard to say that it was the 
fervent aspiration of her mind, at that time, that she 
might so conduct herself through life as not to bring 
reproach upon the truth. 

She was afterwards joined in marriage with our friend, 
Eli Matthews, and settled within the verge of this 
meeting. 

As she was attentive to the gradual unfoldings of 
truth upon her mind, and obedient thereto, she sub- 
mitted to what she believed was required of her, and, 
in much humility and self-abasement, appeared in 
public testimony; and, on the 7th of 8th month, 
1822, was recommended as a minister. 

She was truly an affectionate wife, a tender mother^ 



131 

and a good neighbor; kind and hospitable in her house, 
sympathising with the tried and afflicted, not with- 
holding from the poor and needy, but liberally admin- 
istering to tlieir necessities. 

She was diligent in attending meetings. By her 
solid deportment therein, it was manifest that she was 
endeavoring to serve her Master, and she encouraged 
her family in the same religious duty, believing it to 
be an indispensable obligation not to forsake the assem- 
bling of ourselves together, in order to perform worship 
to Him from whom we receive every good and perfect 
gift. She was also concerned at seasons to collect her 
family around her in silence, and was favored therein to 
speak suitably to them. She frequently appeared in 
public testimony, reminding us of the necessity of a strict 
examination of our hearts, and a faithful dedication 
thereof to the Lord ; and feelingly held forth the lan- 
guage of encouragement to the exercised traveller Zion- 
ward. 

She felt deeply interested for the rising generation, 
and was earnestly solicitous that they should individu- 
ally know how good the Lord is. 

Feeling her mind engaged in the year 1830, to at- 
tend the Yearly Meeting in Ohio, and having the con- 
sent of the Monthly Meeting of which she was a mem- 
ber, she performed that service, accompanied by her 
husband ; and several times, with the consent and en- 
couragement of her friends, visited other meetings, and 
the families composing them, as well as those of the 
meeting to which she belonged, we believe, to the satis- 
faction of her friends, and the peace of her own mind. 



132 

The last visit she paid to families, was in company 
with Ann P. Jackson, who then was on a religious visit 
to this meeting in 11th month, 1846; at the close 
of which she remarked to one of her children, that she 
thought she should not be long with them, which im- 
pression was soon verified. When apparently in her 
usual health, she was taken suddenly ill on the evening 
of the 28th of 1st month, 1847, and departed this life 
on the succeeding morning, in the 68th year of her 
age. Her remains were interred in Friends' burying 
ground at Gunpowder, on the day following. Having 
accomplished her warfare, and finished her work, we 
doubt not that she is in the fruition of that joy which 
awaits the righteous and crowns the labors of the 
faithful. 

Signed on behalf of the aforesaid meeting, held 8tb 
month, 4th, 1847, by 

Elias Matthews, \ rij t, 
Edith M. Price, / ^'^^*^^- 

Read and approved at Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
held at Gunpowder the 13th of 9th month, 1847, and 
signed by direction thereof, by 

Thos. p. Stabler, Clerhfor the Day. 
Mary B. Husband, Clerk. 

Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting 
of Friends, held 10th month, 25th, 1847, and signed 
by direction thereof, by 



Thos. P. Stabler, ) ^, , 
Martha E.v Tyson, / ^^^"^"^^ 



133 

A Testimony of Baltimore Monthly Meeting for the West» 
em District, concerning our friend, Jacob Lafetra, de- 
ceased. 

He was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, on 
the 23d of 12th month, 1777, and continued to reside 
with his parents until the 17th year of his age, when he 
was placed in the family of a relation as an apprentice, 
in which he remained until the year 3 800, when he re- 
moved and settled in Rahway, and soon after entered 
into the marriage state with Phebe Hallett, a member 
of that meeting. 

In the latter part of the year 1804 he removed to Bal- 
timore, and became a member of Baltimore Monthly 
Meeting. 

Very early in life he was favored to see the excellence 
of Christianity as professed by the Religious Society of 
Friends, and by obedience to its Divine manifestations 
in himself, he was preserved from the corruptions of the 
world, and gradually prepared for usefulness in the 
Church. 

When about thirty-three years of age, his mind be- 
came deeply impressed with the belief that a dispensa- 
tion of the Gospel ministry was committed to him, and 
having pass.ed through the necessary baptisms for this 
weighty service, he, in much humility and feeling, ap- 
peared in our meetings, to the satisfaction of Friends, 
and to the edification of the body. 

The care and support of a family having devolved 
upon him, he was diligent in attention to his business ; 
and in the early part of his life did not feel himself 
called to travel much abroad as a minister, but was con- 



134 

cerned to set a good example at home, not only in at- 
tendance of religious meetings, but in the various con- 
cerns and duties of civil life. His ministry was sound 
and edifying — the fruits of a living concern for the 
spiritual welfare of his hearers ; and although not with 
eloquence of speech, or any desire to fill their ears with 
unfelt truths, it was in the demonstration of the Spirit, 
and under a living concern to draw the attention from 
outward dependencies, to the inward evidence of Divine 
truth, as the only means of man's salvation. 

In the latter part of his life, with the unity and ap- 
probation of the Monthly Meeting of which he was a 
member, he visited several of the Yearly Meetings of 
Friends on this continent, as also a number of the other 
meetings of Friends in different sections of the country, 
to the satisfaction of those he visited and to the peace of 
his own mind. 

In the year 1848, about one year before his decease, 
he attended the Yearly Meeting of Genesee, on his way 
to visit the settlement of Indians under the care of 
Friends at Cattaraugus, having been many years an ac- 
tive and deeply concerned member of the committee 
who stood appointed to extend assistance to this greatly 
injured people. On his return from this service he ex- 
pressed the satisfaction he felt at witnessing the great 
improvement that had taken place in their social and 
moral condition, and the general comfort in which many 
of their families now lived. 

From this time, with the exception of his having 
visited Fairfax and Warrington Quarterly Meetings, 
and the Monthly Meetings belonging to the latter, he 



135 

was but little from home, but seemed to be quietly set- 
ting his house in order for the final summons, which, 
when it came, found him not only with his lamp 
trimmed, but burning with more than wonted bright- 
ness. 

About the early part of the 7th month last, his health, 
which for some time previous had been delicate, began 
sensibly to decline; he, however, continued to attend 
meetings as long as his strength permitted, which was 
until about four weeks before his decease. 

During his last illness, which was attended with no 
bodily pain, his mind was preserv^ed in uninterrupted 
peace. He expressed an ardent desire that the Society 
df Friends might become more faithful to the cause of 
truth, and in the support of the valuable testimonies 
that had been committed to it. Referring to the ex- 
pressions of George Fox, " Friends, be faithful to the 
Light," he said he believed that this, if followed and 
obeyed, would be found sufficient for us under all cir- 
cumstances. Instead of this, however, he feared too 
many were seeking an easier way in which they might 
find liberty to travel more conformably to their own 
natural inclinations. 

In addressing himself to a friend who sat by him a 
short time before his decease, he expressed his deep sense 
of the Divine favor in that, though weak in body, he 
should be so entirely free from pain or uneasiness of any 
kind. He remarked, as he lay in this quiet, retired 
state, that his mind had often been led to visit the meet- 
ings of Friends in many places, and to lament their de- 
clining condition : this, he said, was the effect of un- 
12 



136 

faithfulness and departure of too many from the ancient 
foundation on which our early Friends were concerned 
to build — a humble dependence upon the manifestations 
of Divine truth on our minds. 

The practice of reading the modern publications now 
widely circulated by speculative men on religious sub- 
jects, he believed had brought darkness and confusion 
upon many. Some of these appeared to be deluding 
themselves with the opinion that they had advanced to 
a higher degree of religious knowledge than our prede- 
cessors, but in the end they would find that they had 
been building on a foundation which could not stand. 
The truth is the same to-day, yesterday and forever. It 
is simple, — it is plain ; and all that was necessary on our 
part, is faithfulness and obedience to its openings and 
requirements. ^ 

A few days before his close he observed to his 
children who were attending on him, that he supposed 
the doctor had nearly gone through with all the reme- 
dies he could apply for his relief? One of them answered 
she believed he had, and she thought it right he should 
know the physician had intimated'that medicines were 
now unavailing except as palliatives, but that she ex- 
pected he was resigned and felt nothing in his way. 

He paused for some time, and then replied, that like 
others he had strong earthly ties, that he felt himself a 
poor worm of the dust and merited nothing, that through 
mercy he saw now nothing in his way, and that he had 
been endeavoring to attain to that state in which he could 
say, " Thy will, O Lord, be done." 

During his illness he often reverted to his own un- 



137 

worthiness and inability of doing much good for the 
cause of truth, but said his concern for its advancement 
was above every other desire, except the salvation of his 
own soul. He observed that he had endeavored to be its 
advocate as ability had been afforded, and had felt it to 
be his duty to encourage all to faithfulness in attending 
meetings, and from early life, when in health, had done 
so himself, and knew from living experience there was 
sweet comfort in it, besides it was no more than our 
reasonable duty. 

On one occasion he remarked '*he could with sincerity 
say, that he felt nothing but love towards the whole 
human family, and desired that the Lord would draw 
them more and more unto Himself, and gather them all 
by the crook of His love. He added, " If I have ever 
found the way that leads to the knowledge of Divine 
truth, it has not been by following after those who cry, 
* Lo ! here is Christ, or Lo ! He is there,' but by draw- 
ing nigh to and becoming centered on the power of 
Divine love in the soul." 

The day previous to his death, after his bed had been 
changed, which produced great exhaustion, he lay some 
time with his eyes closed, and then observed, "It is a 
very serious thing to think of passing into a state of fixed- 
ness where there will be no more change.'' One present 
replied, yes, it is a serious thing, but with him it was 
also a glorious thing, and she doubted not that all who 
were present felt the desire that their latter end might be 
like his, and that they also might "die the death of the 
righteous." He now again opened his eyes, and look- 
ing at her, said, " I desire not great things, for I deserve 



138 

them not ; all I ask is a place in one of the least of mj 
Heavenly Father's mansions.^' 

A friend calling in to see him, he desired he would 
git near him, and pathetically exhorted him to yield 
obedience to the Divine requisition, remarking, '' obe- 
dience is better than sacrifice, though we know both are 
called for/' and added, '* I believe that many feel much 
more interest in Society than they manifest, but this 
alone will not do, there must be a coming up to the 
work. Oh ! that there was more individual faithfulness. 
I desire thou may be one of the wise ones. The judg- 
ments of the Lord are mixed with mercy, and the mercy 
seat is above the judgment seat." On another occasion, 
alluding to a spirit of forwardness, which he felt con- 
strained to testify against, he said, "A show of religion 
will not answer ; the external appearance of consistency 
was not all that was requisite to qualify for service, even 
though there might be a willingness, there must also be 
a Divine command, as was exemplified in the case of 
Uzza, when he saw the ark of the Lord jostled, and be- 
lieved it was likely to fall ; under this apprehension, 
feeling, no doubt, desirous for its preservation, he, in 
his own will put forth his hand to steady it, and was 
smitten with death." A like consequence, though per- 
haps not to the same extent, follows every unauthorised 
service. 

At another time to a dear young friend with whom 
his spirit had deeply sympathised, he said, "It is of 
very small consequence whether we are found doing 
much or little, so that we endeavor faithfully to per- 
form that which is required of us. Tiiis is the test, and 



139 

I would have all encouraged, for Divine goodness often 
makes a way, where to the human understanding there 
appears to be no way, so that many have been enabled 
to step safely along in a path which the vulture's eye 
hath not seen, but which is broad enough for his children 
to walk in." 

" Since I have been laid on this bed of sickness — I 
cannot call it of suffering — I have felt, and for many years 
previous, a deep concern that we may pay more atten- 
tion to substantial truths ; and as it regards our religious 
duties, not be influenced by the theological notions of 
the day, or by the learning of men of deep scientific re- 
search, but by the simple teaching of the spirit of truth 
in our own minds, which if attended to would be suf- 
ficient." To another, he said, " Let thy mind be turned 
to the fountain of living waters, thou wilt never regret 
it, and when called to bid adieu to all terrestrial things, 
it will be thy stay and support." 

His strength, under the debilitating effects of his dis- 
ease, continued gradually to decline until the afternoon 
of the 20th of 8th month, 1849, when, in perfect sere- 
nity, and with faculties apparently unimpaired, he 
quietly departed, being in the 72d year of his age, and a 
minister nearly forty years. 

Signed by direction, and on behalf of the Monthly 
Meeting aforesaid, held 9th month, 6th, 1849. 

Edward H. Stabler, 1 p/ l 
Mary C. Stabler, j ^r . . 

Approved by Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, held 9th 
month, 10th, 1849, and signed by direction thereof. 



Edward H. Stabler, \ fyj h 
Mary C. Stabler, / ^'^^'^- 



140 

Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
held 10th month, 29th, 1849, and signed by direction 
thereof. 

Thos. p. Stabler, \ nj h 

Maegaret Hallowell,, J ^^ • 



Memorial of Alexandria Monthly Meeting^ concerning our 
deceased friend^ William Stabler. 

When one with whom we have been closely united in 
religious communion, and who has long been actively 
concerned for the welfare of society and the advancement 
of truth, is removed from works to rewards, some state- 
ment of the prominent circumstances of his life seems 
appropriate, not for the adulation of the dead, but for 
the encouragement and support of the living. With 
this view our Monthly Meeting believes it right to pre- 
pare the present memorial. 

William Stabler was born at Alexandria, on the 25th 
of 10th month, 1795. His father, Edward Stabler, was 
favorably and extensively known as a minister in the 
Society of Friends, and the subject of the present memoir, 
being his oldest son, engaged in business with him, and 
it may be said was reared by his side, an d continued 
with him till the close of his father's life, which occurred 
in the 1st month, 1831. Being of a retired, contem- 
plative turn of mind, William Stabler generally pre- 
ferred to listen to the conversation of others rather than 
converse himself. When occasion seemed to require 
him to engage in conversation, however, he was ani- 
mated, interesting, and instructive, his remarks generally 



141 

tending to something practically useful and improving 
to the mind and heart. 

In the year 1827 he was placed in the station of over- 
seer of Alexandria Preparative Meeting, and was a meek 
and faithful servant of the church, watching over the 
flock for good. He was diligent in the perusal of the , 
Holy Scriptures, and his love for these precious records 
increased as his mind became more devoted to the cause 
of his Heavenly Father, finding them to correspond 
with his own experience in his spiritual journey. 

He was appointed an Elder in Alexandria Monthly 
Meeting in the year 1834, the duties of which respon- 
sible station he performed with great tenderness and 
faithfulness, acting under the influence of love for both 
truth and its instruments, which gave right qualifica- 
tion for successful labor. And as an encouragement to 
others in like stations to seek a similar qualification, it 
may be mentioned that no instance is known where any 
unpleasant feeling on either side resulted from his labor, 
however close, but rather increased respect and affection, 
verifying the declaration, " the work of righteousness 
shall be peace.'^ Dur ing the time he stood in the sta- 
tion of an elder, and be fore he had appeared in the public 
ministry, he was concerned to visit the families of 
Friends, constituting Goose Creek, Fairfax, and Hope- 
well Monthly Meetings, branches of Fairfax Quarter, 
for which service he obtained a minute of unity from the 
Monthly Meeting. This duty he performed to the great 
satisfaction of those he visited, and to the comfort and 
peace of his own mind. 

In the year 1845, having frequently spoken in our 



142 

meetings, much to the satisfaction of Friends, he was 
recommended as a minister of the Gospel, and thus re- 
leased from the stations of overseer and elder, the duties 
of which he had so long and so satisfactorily performed. 
He did not speak frequently in the exercise of the mia- 
istry, but his communications were always impressive 
and instructive ; not so much calculated to move the 
passions as to convince tlie judgment, and incline the 
hearts of his hearers to a practical examination of the 
subject of religion for themselves. 

He delighted to draw the attention of his audience, 
especially the young, to the goodness and love of his 
Heavenly Father, and the sufficiency of His grace and 
teachings in the soul to lead them into all truth, and to 
effect their salvation, if they would yield a humble 
obedience thereto. Believing it right to confine his re- 
marks principally to the concern under which he felt a 
Divine commission to rise and speak to the people, his 
communications were generally brief. 

He performed with the approbation of his Monthly 
Meeting and to the satisfaction of those among whom 
he labored, as well as to the relief and strength of his 
own mind, several religious visits, both to the meetings 
and families of Friends within the limits of Philadel- 
phia, New York, and Baltimore Yearly Meetings. He 
possessed remarkable qualifications for successful labor 
in families, ^^ rightly dividing the word of truth.'' The 
last visit that he paid was to the families of Friends 
belonging to Warrington Quarterly Meeting, Pennsyl- 
vania, in the 11th and 12th months, 1851. 

The prospect of this visit was peculiarly trying to 



143 

him, and after his return he remarked to his wife, that 
before he left home the language had been addressed to 
his spiritual ear, in view of this service, " Be thou faith- 
ful unto death, and 1 will give thee a crown of life," 
and that he believed his religious labors from home 
were now about closed. 

During the early part of his last illness he expressed 
himself at different times in substance as follows : 

" All the pain and suffering I experience are nothing, 
while I continue to be favored as I am with the pres- 
>€nce of the Divine Master. I have nothing to ask for, 
nothing to pray for ; my Heavenly Father has already 
given me all I need. I can now say with the prophet 
Simeon, when he took up the child Jesus in his 
arms, ^ Lord, now lettest thou thy servant go in peace, 
for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.' '' To his wife 
he said : " Depend on the arm of thy Heavenly Father, 
and he will be thy husband and protector." When 
near his close he expressed perfect reliance on that Di- 
vine Power that had always sustained him hitherto, and 
which he had no doubt would continue to do so to the 
end. He encouraged those around him to place their 
reliance on Divine direction and help in their every-day 
concerns, assuring them that they would thus be sus- 
tained in their journey through life. 

He bore his protracted sickness with great patience 
and resignation to the Divine Will, and after gradually 
sinking for several days, he calmly breathed his last on 
the 24th of 9th month, 1852, in the 57th year of his 
age. 

In the decease of this beloved friend our religious 



144 

society has lost one of its most valued and useful ministers 
and members. He filled with propriety and dignity 
the various relations of life, being an affectionate son, a 
good husband, a kind and sympathising friend, a meek 
and devout Christian, and we have good grounds to be- 
lieve that he has been received into those mansions of 
eternal bliss prepared for the righteous from the foun- 
dation of the world. 

Signed by direction and on behalf of Alexandria 
Monthly Meeting, in the State of Virginia, held 7tb 
month, 21st, 1853, by 

Benjamin Hallowell, Clerk for the day, 
Margaret E. Hallowell, Clerk. 

Approved by Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, held at 
Goose Creek, on the 15th of 8th month, 1853. 

William B. Steer, 1 ^, t 

Margaret E. Hallowell ; / 

Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
held by adjournments from 31st of 10th month to 3d 
of 11th month inclusive, 1853. 

Benjamin Hallowell, 1 ^, 7 
Margaret E. Hallowell, J 



Memorial of Alexandria Monthly Meeting, concerning Mary 
Stabler, deceased, 

Mary Stabler was born at Alexandria, on the 8 th 
of 9th month, 1783. She was the daughter of William 
and Susannah Hartshorn, who were careful to give her 



145 

a guarded religious education iu conformity with the 
principles of Friends. 

In the year 1808 she was united in marriage with 
Edward Stabler, and thus came in charge of a family of 
children by his previous marriage, the youngest of whom 
was but about four years of age. In this delicate rela- 
tion she was truly a pattern, fulfilling all her responsible 
duties with the utmost fidelity, impartiality and mater- 
nal affection, and although she became the mother of a 
large family of her own, she seemed to know no differ- 
ence in her parental care and solicitude, but the stream 
of precious love flowed uninterruptedly and equally to 
all her husband's children. This feeling continued to 
the close of her life. She regarded all as her own chil- 
dren, and appeared to be concerned for their true inter- 
ests and welfare equally, and it is encouraging to add 
that her concern and regard were appreciated and re- 
ciprocated by them. 

Her husband was often brought under exercise to 
travel from home in the service of the Gospel ministry, 
and she proved a true helpmeet in his spiritual as in his 
temporal concerns, encouraging him to faithful obedi- 
ence to every manifestation of the Divine Will, cheer- 
fully taking on herself the responsible and heavy charge 
of the family, and submitting to the sacrifices attendant 
on his absence, in order that his mind might be relieved 
and the cause of truth and righteousness promoted. 

She was for many years, and till the period of her 
close, both overseer and elder in our meeting, and per- 
formed the dutiesof these responsible stations with great 
firmness, discretion and gentleness. As an elder she 



146 

was truly a nursing mother in the chtirch ; encouraging 
the desponding, restraining the forward, sympathising 
with the afflicted, and saying to all in the expressive 
language of example, ^* Follow me as I follow Christ/' 
In our meetings for worship, the sweetness and serenity 
of her countenance while engaged in silent communion 
with the Holy Spirit, have often been encouraging to 
others, and an incentive to them to seek for the same 
holy intercourse with the adorable Author of our being. 

Of her it might have been truly said, as of the virtu- 
ous woman described in the Proverbs, " She openeth 
her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law 
of kindness ; she looketh well to the ways of her house- 
hold, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children 
rise up and call her blessed ; her husband also, and he 
praiseth her." 

Being left a widow in 1831, with a large family, the 
youngest only about nine months old, she was unremit- 
ting through the remainder of her life in the discharge 
of her maternal duties, and concerned to educate her 
children in the principles of truth. 

In her last illness, which was of short duration, she 
early became sensible that her close was near, and 
having lived in great circumspection, she was entirely 
prepared for the event, the prospect of death having no 
terrors to her. After giving directions in relation to 
her temporal concerns, she sent messages of love and 
affectionate remembrance to numerous friends far and 
near, mentioning their names, and seeming to forget no 
one. She said she felt love for everybody. One of her 
friends coming to her bedside, she told .Jia that she was 



147 

nearly gone, but that she felt entirely willing and pre- 
pared to go ; not from any good she had done, but through 
the kindness and mercy of her Heavenly Father. 

She said it was astonishing to herself that she should 
feel so calm at such a time ; that there was nothing in 
her way, and that she regarded this tranquil state of 
mind as a great favor. She earnestly enjoined her chil- 
dren "to love one another; to strive to do right, and 
become standard-bearers in the cause of truth," and 
recommended faithful obedience to the inward monitor. 
She expressed much concern for our little meeting ; that 
it might continue to be rightly supported, to the honor 
and glory of the great Head of the Church ; and she 
was very desirous that the young people, members of 
society, might be consistent and faithful in their walk- 
ing through life, to the benefit of society and of them- 
selves. 

Throughout her sickness she seemed to think little 
about herself or her sufferings, a trait of character for 
which she was always remarkable ; but her chief concern 
was for the welfare of others, far and near, her love em- 
bracing the whole human family. On the morning of 
the 29th of 4th month, 1853, she calmly and peacefully 
breathed her last, in the 70th year of her age, leaving 
an example to survivors worthy of imitation, and show- 
ing with what composure and serenity a Christian can 
die. 

Signed by direction and on behalf of Alexandria 
Monthly Meeting, in the State of Virginia, held by ad- 
journment, on the 10th of 8th month, 1853, by 

Benjamin Hallowell, Clerhfor the day. 
Maeqaret E. Hallowell, Clerh, 
13 



148 

Approved by Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, held at 
Goose Creek, on the 15th of 8th month, 1863. 

William B. Steer, \ r>7 i 

Margaret E. Hallowell, j ^^^^^^' 

Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
held by adjournments from 31st of 10th month to 3d of 
11th month inclusive, 1853. 

Benjamin Hallowell, \ nj i 

Margaret E. Hallowell, j ^^ ^' 



As we have been bereaved by death of our beloved friend, 
Susannah Jewett, we feel that some account of her life 
and ministerial labors should be recorded for the edifica- 
tion of survivors, as well as a just tribute to her memory. 

She was the daughter of Hugh and Susannah Judge, 
members of our religious Society, from whom she re- 
ceived early religious instruction ; but being of a bright 
and cheerful temperament, she was led for a time to cling 
to the fascinations of earth, and seek enjoyment in its 
deceptive allurements. But the ever-watchful monitor 
within often and solemnly warned her that hers was 
not to be the life of inactivity and ease, and that she 
was called to bear the cross of Christ. Although for 
a time she resisted this impression, as opposed to her 
natural inclination, yet, at the early age of sixteen, she 
took His yoke upon her, and evinced to the world that 
she had resolved to follow Him and pursue the narrow 
path, though it should lead her into the valley of deep 
humiliation. 



149 

At seventeen years of age she appeared acceptably to 
her friends as a minister of the Gospel. In the year 
1808 she was married to our friend, John Jewett, and 
became a member of Deer Creek Monthly Meeting. 
His tender, religious care and correct judgment were to 
her, throughout her after life, a comfort and encourage- 
ment. 

Her ministry was powerful, close and lucid, and 
though deeply trying to her feelings, she felt bound to 
deal plainly with the follies and shortcomings of the 
times, as well as to exhort her hearers to turn from dark- 
ness unto light. She was often led to dwell emphatic- 
ally on the subject of hireling ministry in powerful and 
impressive language, admonishing those engaged in the 
ministry to give freely what they had freely received, 
solemnly warning her hearers to beware of a man-made 
ministry ; exhorting all to come to the fountain of light 
and life, in the assurance that God would teach His 
people himself, and that the Gospel of Christ should be 
dispensed without money and without price. 

To the youth, who were always objects of her espe- 
cial consideration and affectionate solicitude, she would, 
in persuasive language, portray the happiness and beauty 
of a life devoted to religion and virtue, and the import- 
ance of an early sacrifice. To the members of her small 
meeting she held forth the language of encouragement, 
reminding them that strength consisted not in numbers, 
and exhorted them to look for the blessing that was 
promised to the two or three that should be gathered in 
the name of Christ. 

She was a diligent attendant of meetings, and often 



150 

left her large family to visit those at a distance, per- 
forming arduous journeys, impelled by an earnest desire 
to fulfil her duty to others — and from those meetings 
testimonials were returned of her acceptable Gospel 
labors. 

In the social circle she was cheerful and instructive, 
and in scenes of sorrow or in tlie chambers of sickness, 
her feeling heart and tender hand, her strength of mind, 
her religious counsel and sympathy, rendered her pres- 
ence peculiarly comforting and desirable ; thus was she 
often a blessing to those who mourned. 

Her summons to relinquish her stewardship was 
sudden, and her illness too severe to aiford an oppor- 
tunity for much expression ; but her long life of devotion 
to her Heavenly Father's will required no such seal to 
impress upon the minds of survivors, the firm con- 
viction that she has been received with the blessed lan- 
guage, " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter 
thou into the joy of thy Lord." 

She departed this life on the 13th of 9th month, 1853, 
in the 73d year of her age. 

Read and approved in Deer Creek Monthly Meeting 
of Friends, held at Broad Creek, the 17th of 8th month, 
1854, and signed by direction and on behalf thereof, by 



David G. McCoy, 1 ^, , 
Hannah Jones, / 



Eead and approved by Nottingham Quarterly Meet- 
ing, held at East Nottingham the 25th of 8th month, 
1854, and signed by direction thereof, by 

Vincent Stubbs, \ ci k 

Priscilla S. Parry, j ^ ^' 



151 

Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
held by adjournments, from the 30th of 10th month, to 
the 2d of 11th month inclusive, 1854. 

Benjamin Hallowell, 
Margaret E. Hallowell. 



A Testimony of Deer Creek Monthly Meeting^ concerning 
our late, much beloved friend, John Jewett. 

Believing it to be consistent with Divine wisdom, 
that the memory of the j ust should be preserved as way- 
marks, or additional incentives to the living to draw 
near to Christ, the fountain of light and life, which ever 
has preserved the servants of God, this meeting feels a 
concern to prepare the present memorial. 

It may be said in truth that this, our beloved friend, 
was a consistent example from youth to advanced age ; 
doing justly, loving mercy, and endeavoring to walk 
humbly with his God, and manifesting a deep concern 
for the promotion of righteousness in the earth. He 
was a constant attendant of meetings for worship and dis- 
cipline, often very impressively encouraging others to the 
performance of this reasonable duty, in the meek per- 
suasive manner peculiar to himself, calculated to leave 
the impression that our true happiness can only be se- 
cured by the faithful discharge of all our duties whilst 
in this state of being. 

He filled the station of an Elder, much to the satis- 
faction of Friends, during a large portion of his useful 
life, being always concerned to maintain the health and 



152 

reputation of Society. Being blessed with a sound mind 
and good judgment, he was particularly useful in meet- 
ings for discipline, having a care not to move therein 
without the impression of Divine authority ; when his 
''views were given in submission, with clearness and sim- 
plicity. 

He was frequently from home on the important con- 
cerns of Society, and also as a companion for his beloved 
wife on religious visits, and we have reason to believe 
that he was, in the hand of his Divine Master, exten- 
sively useful. 

Within the last few years of his life his health de- 
clined, so as sometimes to prevent his attending meet- 
ings, which was felt to be a privation ; he, however, at- 
tended several of the sittings of our last Yearly Meet- 
ing in Baltimore, at one of which he was taken ill, but 
so far recovered before the meeting closed as to attend 
(although in a very feeble state) a part of two sittings. 
On one of these occasions, in the last communication he 
ever delivered in that meeting, he most affectionately 
and impressively remarked, that "as we abide in a 
humble, watchful frame of mind, we shall come to wit- 
ness the love of God abounding over all in our hearts^ 
and while looking forward to the close of life with the 
hope of enjoying a blessed immortality, we shall be able 
to adopt the language of the Apostle : ^I am now ready 
to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand : 
I have fought a good fight ; I have finished my course ; 
I have kept the faith ; henceforth there is laid up for me 
a crown of righteousness, which the Lord^ the righteous 
judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only^ 



153 

but to all them that love his appearing/'' Em- 
phatically adding, "This can only be achieved, my 
friends, by striving against all evil.'' 

After this he so far revived as to be able to re~ 
turn home and attend a few meetings, when he was 
again taken ill, and his system became so paralysed that 
he was deprived of the power of speech, and for several 
weeks lay in a helpless, innocent, child-like state, until 
the 28th day of 1st month, 1854, when it pleased his 
Heavenly Father to remove him from works to rewards, 
in the 77th year of his age. 

Thus has it pleased Him who gave, to take from us 
this, our dear and much beloved friend, leaving a void 
amongst ns which can only be filled by the faithfulness 
of those left behind. May we therefore all be willing to 
draw near to the all-sustaining power, which raised and 
enabled him to show forth by a practical righteous life 
that he had indeed overcome the world, and loved God 
above all, and his fellow-men as himself. 

Read and approved in Deer Creek Monthly Meeting 
of Friends, held at Broad Creek, the 17th of 8th month, 
1854, and signed by direction and on behalf thereof, by 

David G. McCoy, \ ^ , 
Hannah Jones, / ^^^^^' 

Read and approved by Nottingham Quarterly Meet- 
ing, held at East Nottingham, the;25th of the 8th month,. 
1854, and signed by direction thereof, by 

Vincent Stubbs, \ n/ l 
Priscilla S. Parry, / ^^^^^' 

Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meetings 



154 

held by adjournments, from the 30th of 10th month, 

to the 2d of 11th month inclusive, 1854. 

Benjamin Hallowell, 
Margaret E. Hallowell. 



A Memorial of Little Britain Monthly Meeting^ concerning 
our deceased friend, Elizabeth Smedley. 

When the faithful are removed, a tribute to their 
memory is due, for " blessed are the dead who die in 
the Lord." Though such have passed away from hu- 
man view, yet they speak through their past example 
and precept, inviting survivors to " follow them as they 
have followed Christ." 

Such we believe was the blessed experience of our be- 
loved friend Elizabeth Smedley, who has recently been 
removed by death from our midst. 

She was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Ham- 
bleton, and was born on the 14th day of 5th month, 
1786. 

In very early life she experienced the Divine Spirit 
to operate upon her mind, frequently causing the tears 
to flow before she was sensible from whence the influ- 
ence came; but like the child spoken of in Holy Writ, 
she was attentive to the voice of the Lord, who mani- 
fested Himself and ofttimes protected her juvenile feet 
from wandering in forbidden paths. 

On one or two occasions she was induced to depart 
from the truth on some trivial account, but her ever- 
present monitor suffered her not to close her eyes in re- 



155 

pose until she had souglit forgiveness. Thus we see 
that even in childhood's tender years, if the mind yield 
obedience to the monitions of truth it will be supported 
through every temptation. 

As she approached womanhood and took her position 
in social society, her lively, buoyant temperament in- 
duced her to indulge in excess of dress and amusements 
for a season, but not without great conflict of mind, for 
He who had been her preserver in youth still followed 
her closely, marring the anticipated pleasure, and point- 
ing out to. her a higher source of enjoyment. 

In early life she delighted in the perusal of the Holy 
Scriptures, and would often retire alone to solitary places, 
to read over and ponder on the invaluable truths con- 
tained therein. So important did she deem these sacred 
writings, that she not only continued to read them at- 
tentively in her own family through life, but it was her 
concern affectionately to invite her hearers to a more fa- 
miliar acquaintance with them, as a precious means of 
instruction in those spiritual truths which pertain to the 
highest interests of the soul. After her marriage with 
our friend Eli Smedley, her mind continued to be deeply 
exercised ; she felt it to be an imperative duty to attend 
her meetings, and for some time was tried therein with 
drowsiness, so much so that human nature would have 
been willing to have plead excuses to absent herself' 
therefrom, but nothing short of implicit obedience to 
known duty could insure the possession of that peace 
her spirit longed for. 

While partaking of that heavenly bread which nour- 
ishes the soul, she was not permitted to eat it alone ; and 



156 

as her concern for others increased, she felt constrained 
to invite them to come and partake and know for them- 
selves the realities of the fruits of obedience to Divine 
commands. 

Before submitting to this requirement she passed 
through deep conflicts of spirit, but it was shown to her 
that obedience was better than sacrifice, and she sub- 
mitted to the heavenly vision. 

She was an affectionate wife, a tender mother, and 
sympathising friend ; nor were her sympathies confined 
within the pale of our Society; her compassionate spirit 
extended to the oppressed and suffering of all classes. 
Her disposition was cheerful, but her mind was deeply 
devoted to her Master's service. While her hands were 
employed in her daily avocations she was not absorbed 
in earthly things, but experienced Jeep travail of spirit 
for Zion's welfare and the enlargement of her borders, 
or enjoyed sweet communion with her God. Her min- 
istry was in plainness of speech, but attended with Di- 
vine authority. Her chief concern was to turn the hearts 
of the people '^ from darkness to light, and from the 
power of Satan unto God." The youth were ever ob- 
jects of her deepest solicitude and affectionate considera- 
tion, and her impressive appeals to them to make " an 
early sacrifice " will, in due time, we trust, produce their 
fruits, as " bread cast upon the waters." 

In the love of the Gospel she was frequently engaged 
in visiting the neighboring meetings, as well as numer- 
ous meetings within the limits of Philadelphia Yearly 
Meeting, and on every such occasion, we believe, returned 
with the reward of peace. 



157 

Her last public communication was at the funeral ot 
an aged neighbor, on which occasion she was led to speak 
powerfully to a large audience, portraying the awful 
danger of putting off the great work of the souFs salva- 
tion until the eleventh hour, and earnestly entreating 
them to prepare for the solemn change. Her fervent 
appeals on that occasion, we trust, will live long in the 
memory of many present. 

A few days after she was attacked with severe illness, 
but her conscious moments were employed in commem- 
orating the goodness and loving- kindness of her Re- 
deemer, saying : " I have bowed in humility before 
thee, O Father ! I have long sat in the valley of deep 
humiliation ! I have known thy love and thy power 
round-about to support me; I have felt, too, the power 
of the great dragon to entwine around me, ready to 
draw me down, but I trusted in thy promise, ^ My grace is 
sufficient for thee,'^' with much more of the same import, 
sufficient to evince to those around her that her work 
was done. On the evening of the 24th day of 3d month, 
1858, after an illness of thirty-six hours, she quietly 
breathed her last, in the 72d year of her age, having 
been a minister twenty -seven years. 

Read in and approved by Little Britain Monthly 
Meeting, held at Eastland, the i4th day of 8th month, 
1858, and signed by direction thereof, by 

Joel Smedley, \ nj k 

Priscilla S. Parry, j ^^ ^' 

Read in and approved by Nottingham Quarterly 



158 

Meeting, held at East NottiDgham, the 20th of 8th 
month, 1858, and signed by direction thereof, by 



Joel Smedley, \ ni l 

Priscilla S. Parry, j ^^^*'^^- 



Approved by the Meeting for Sufferings, held 25th 
of 10th month, 1858, and signed by direction thereof. 

Edward H. Stabler, Cley^h, 

Approved by Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 27th of 10th 
month, 1858. 

Benjamin Hallowell, \ ni t, 
Margaret E. Hallowell, / ^^^^f^- 



A Memorial of Fairfax Monthly Meeting, concerning our 
beloved friend^ Miriam G. Gover, deceased. 

She was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in the 
year 1791. Her parents were Henry and Ann Taylor. 
She had not a birthright in the Society of Friends, nor 
was her early education amongst them, but rather with a 
class of society in which the young people were in the 
practice of indulging in much gaiety and frivolity. Her 
natural temperament led her to wear gay apparel and to 
join in the amusements of the day, thus floating thought- 
lessly with the current. 

But whilst quite a young woman, she was favored 
with a visitation of Divine love, by which she was 
olearly shown that she must change her course, and that 
the only way to be at peace would be to heed the inward 
teacher, and that in so doing she must take up the cross 



159 

to her natural inclination, renounce the vanities of the 
times, and adopt in lieu thereof such a course as obe- 
dience to truth would point out to a watchful mind. 
She has often been heard to describe the great conflict 
of spirit, the struggling of self to overcome the convic- 
tions of duty, that she might not have to bear the taunts 
and sneers of her volatile friends ; but she always ac- 
knowledged the goodness and wisdom of her Heavenly 
Father in holding her firmly by the cords of love, so 
that she could have no peace, but often wet her pillow 
with tears of anguish at what seemed to be her hard lot, 
until the mastery was gained, and she was made willing 
to follow His teaching. But when it was shown her 
that she must abase herself yet more — that she must at- 
tend Friends' Meetings — that she must adopt their plain 
costume, and speak their plain language, then she felt 
like giving out ; but thanks to His adorable mercy, she 
has often exclaimed, even to this end, strength was af- 
forded to yield to His requirings. 

After a time she was impressed with a sense that it 
would be right to apply for admission into membership 
with Friends, and she was accordingly received when 
she was about 18 years of age. 

In the year 1814 she was joined in marriage with 
Jesse Gover, with whom she lived in true affection 
twenty-eight years, when he was removed by death in 
the year 1842. 

They each received about the same time a gift in the 
ministry, and she was recommended as a Minister by 
her Monthly Meeting in the year 1834. 

For a long time her communications were generally 
14 



160 

short, but bearing evidence of Divine authority, they 
were impressive, and always acceptable. Being now 
fully committed to her Master's calling, she became 
watchful and obedient to His requirings. She was a 
constant attender of all the meetings to which she be- 
longed, both for worship and discipline, and was a re- 
markable example to all, her deportment therein being 
that of one engaged in true worship, and seeking sweet 
communion with her Maker. 

She was often called on to visit other parts of the 
Lord's vineyard, and it was well known to the con- 
cerned members of her own meeting, how deep was her 
travail of spirit, fearing lest she might outrun the Mas- 
ter, and doubting her own ability for the work. On 
such occasions she often needed Christian encourage- 
ment, seldom or never the word of caution. Her con- 
cerns were weighed so long and so well, that when ex- 
pressed in her meetings it was always with a clearness 
and precision that left no doubt on the minds of her 
friends as to the source from whence the call emanated. 

She travelled much, and labored extensively for the 
cause of truth. Her communications were seldom doc- 
trinal, but practical. She was very charitable to other 
denominations, believing there were good persons in all 
societies; that all who know their Master's will, and do 
it, shall be accepted of Him. Her house was always 
open to receive her friends. Her manner was kind and 
pressing to all alike, without respect to persons. In this 
she appeared to exemplify that endearing quality of our 
nature — love, which in its perfect exercise, comprehends 
our whole duty to God and to our fellow-creatures. 



161 

The operation of this love in her heart led her to ac- 
complish many arduous journeys, to visit those remote 
from meetingSj and often to encourage and streugthen 
the afflicted ; and we believe there are many persons in 
the laud who can bear witness that she was the means, 
in His hands, of awakening and comforting their des- 
ponding souls. 

We wish not to write a eulogy upon her character, but 
we would hold up to the remembrance of the living 
those special testimonies to which it appeared to be her 
concern to call our attention. For members of our So- 
ciety she seemed often concerned to impress the young 
to observe plainness of apparel. She was aware that in 
the view of some this was considered a trivial matter, 
but with this, as with all other subjects requiring a 
yielding of the will, if it was felt to be right, it was no 
longer a small matter, but being a duty, it should be ob- 
served. She had herself, in youth, been made to see the 
folly of decorating the body, the time thus wasted being 
precious moments that might otherwise be applied in 
doing much good in the world. And few persons have 
labored more diligently with their own hands than she 
has done. 

Another subject she was accustomed to impress upon 
the minds of her hearers, was the importance and rea- 
sonableness of the duty of assembling ourselves for Di- 
vine worship, and the real joy which it had been her ex- 
perience to know on such occasions, and that such might 
be the experience of us all if we would diligently labor 
for reconciliation and communion with the Father, who 
is ever waiting to be gracious ; that she could in truth 



162 

say she had never once regretted having assembled with 
her friends at the place apj)ointed for Divine worship. 

Daring the recent troubles that have divided our once 
prosperous land, our meeting-liouse was for a number of 
months used as quarters for soldiers. We met with 
them regularly, often with much weight and anxiety of 
mind, that truth might be exalted. We remember her 
as a remarkable instance of the influence of one of solid 
deportment, silently waiting upon her God, evidently 
stilling the restless spirits of the soldiers ; and when she 
would raise her voice in obedience to His requiring, the 
effect was often manifest in their manner, that they 
were moved with a sense of His presence and power y 
and we think their minds were frequently awakened to 
profitable impressions. 

With her, as with all rightly concerned minds, our 
national troubles w^ere much deplored. But we believe 
she well knew where to look for comfort in affliction, and 
that she relied in full faith upon His power. 

She was suddenly prostrated with a disease of the 
heart, and after a few hours' illness, departed this life 
on the morning of the 18th day of 4th month, 1863, 
in the 73d year of her age. Her remains were followed 
to the grave the next first day afternoon, by a large 
concourse of friends and neighbors, and a peculiarly 
solemn meeting was held on the occasion. 

We trust her labors for the cause of truth and 
righteousness will long bear fruits, and that we who 
have known her and so often been instructed by her, 
will remember and profit by her earnest appeals and 
encouraging language, and con nually strive so to live 



163 

that we may in the end be accounted worthy to receive 
a crown immortal. 

Signed on behalf of the Fairfax Monthly Meeting, 
held the 12th day of 8th month, 1863, by 

Wm. Williams, \ ^. . 
Eliza H. Walker, J ^^^* '^^• 

Read and approved in Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, 
held at Goose Creek, the 17th of 8th month, 1863, and 
signed on behalf thereof, by 

Edward Brown, 1 pj , 
Eliza Brown, J 

Read and approved by Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
held by adjournments from the 26th of 10th month to 
the 29th of the same, inclusive, 1863. 



Benjamin Hallo well, X^ij j. 
Mary G. Moore, / ^^^''''^' 



A Memorial of Fairfax Monthly Meeting, concerning our 
deceased friend, Louisa Steer. 

When the good and faithful are called from work to 
rewards, we believe it right to keep some little record 
of their lives, for the encouragement of those who may 
follow after them. 

Our dear friend, Louisa Steer, was the daughter of 
David and Mary Brown, of Frederick County, Virginia. 
She was born on the 16th of 4th month, 1800. 

Her parents were not members of the Religious So- 
ciety of Friends, but her training was in that direction. 



164 

and early in life she became convinced that true peace 
is to be found only in a denial of self, and taking up 
the cross and following a meek and lowly Saviour. 
In the 22d year of her age she requested, and was re- 
ceived a member of Hopewell Monthly Meeting, and 
the same year was united in marriage with William B. 
Steer, and became a member of Fairfax Monthly 
Meeting. Their house might almost be said to be an 
asylum for the afflicted. Many homeless and destitute 
ones sought and found a refuge there. Their necessities 
were relieved and their wants ministered unto tenderly, 
remembering the words of our Divine Teacher, " Inas- 
much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these 
my brethren, ye have done it unto me.'* 

She was a diligent attender of meetings, and an 
earnest worker in all that she thought would promote 
the cause of truth and righteousness on earth, pleasant 
and instructive in conversation, and always careful to 
let no utterance pass her lips calculated to injure or 
hurt the feelings of another ; "truly, love and humility 
marked her character. 

She travelled extensively in the ministry. Near the 
close of her life she visited in Gospel love all the yearly, 
and many of tlie subordinate meetings of Friends with 
whom we are united. When a duty presented, with 
singleness of purpose she gave herself to it till it was 
accomplished ; indeed, to do the will of her Father 
seemed to be her meat and her drink. 

Her last illness was short and severe, which she bore 
with Christian fortitude, and was released on the 23d of 
fourth month, 1870, aged 70 years. 



165 

Signed on behalf of Fairfax Monthly Meeting, held 

7th month, 12th, 1871. 

Elisha H. Walker, 1 ^^^^^^ 
Mary E. Williams, j 

Eead in and approved by Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, 
held at Goose Creek, 8th month, 21st, 1871. 

Robert F. Roberts, 1 ^^^^,^^^ 
Lydia Lupton, j 

Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
held by adjournments, from 30th of 10th month to 2d 
of 11th month, inclusive, 1871. 

William Wood, 1 p., 
Mary G. Moore, / '^^^^''^' 



A Memorial of Centre Monthly Meeting, concerning our 
deceased friend, G-ulielma Wilson. 

The subject of this memoir was born in Chester 
County, Pennsylvania, on the 8th day of 12th month, 
1794. 

Her parents, Job and Hannah Packer, were members 
of the Religious Society of Friends, of which she had 
a birthright. They removed to Clinton County, Penn- 
sylvania, when she was three years of age. Early in 
life she was deprived, by death, of the Christian care of a 
concerned mother, but she realised that the Divine 
Master was ever near to direct her goings. She was 
often heard to speak of the gracious dealings of her 
Heavenly Father towards her when quite young, so 



166 

that she was enabled to experience the love of God to 
be shed abroad in her heart. Being remotely situated 
from Friends, she grew up amongst a different class of 
people. In the eighteenth year of her age she entered 
into marriage with our late Friend, Robert Wilson, with 
whom she lived about forty-three years. They settled 
in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, when it was quite 
a wilderness — livino; from amono^st Friends, the 
society of her choice, but she was not left comfortless. 
As she was willing to ask her Heavenly Father for 
strength to do her duty to her family and fellow-creatures, 
she sweetly realised the promise given, " Ask and ye 
shall receive." 

In the year 1825 she removed with her family to 
Centre County, within the limits of this meeting, 
where she passed the remainder of her life. She felt a 
deep interest in the promotion and advancement of 
society, and was a diligent attender of meetings when 
health would permit. Her seat vvas seldom vacant. 
She was ever ready to encourage the weary traveller 
Zionward, evincing a great concern for the youth. 
Though greatly in the cross she felt called to speak in 
public, but as she was willing to yield obedience, it 
brought peace to her own mind. In due time her gift 
was acknowledged, and she was recommended as a 
Minister. She bore a faithful testimony to the prin- 
ciples of our Society, and was an example worthy of 
imitation, often expressing thankfulness to her Heavenly 
Father in supporting her under many trials. She 
was of a delicate constitution, but of an industrious 
turn, and to use the proverb, " She seeketh wool and 



167 

flax, and worketh willingly with her hands." She was 
always cheerful, and her heart and house were ever 
open to her friends. Being unable to attend meeting 
for several years before her death, she desired Friends 
to come and sit with her and her family, which request 
was granted. These seasons she greatly appreciated, 
and how strong were her religious feelings in silent 
worship may be discovered from some lines penned by 
her, which are as follows : " O Lord, in silence have 
I sought thee; in silence have I found thee; in silence 
have I worshipped thee ; in silence hast thou shown me 
thy wonderful works." She continued to grow weaker 
as her years increased, and was afflicted with a disease 
of a chronic nature, so that her suffering was great, but 
she was often heard to say, " Why is it that I am so long 
continued ? Oh, how I desire to be released ! I want 
no more of this world's goods ! " She expressed love 
to all her fellow-creatures, saying, " I love them all ! " 
While she had strength to speak, she gave good advice 
and counsel to her children. 

She quietly breathed her last, as one falling into a 
sweet sleep, on the 16th of 3d month, 1870, in the 
seventy-sixth year of her age. By her request a solemn 
meeting was held at her house, after which her remains 
were interred in Friends' burial-ground at Centre. 

Approved by Centre Monthly Meeting, held eighth 
month, 10th, 1871. 

Eeuben Underwood, Clerh. 

Elizabeth Iddings, Clerk for the day. 

Approved by Centre Quarterly Meeting, held 9th 
month, 4th, 1871. 

William P. Fisher, \ ^7 t. 
Elizabeth Iddings, / ^ ^^™- 



168 

Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
held by adjournments, from 30th of 10th month, to 2d 
of 11th month, inclusive, 1871. 

William Wood, I rtj l 
Maky G. Moore, J ^^^^^^' 



Memorial of Baltimore Monthly Meeting of Friends^ con- 
cerning Martha E. Ttsojt. 

Believing from the lessons of our individual ex- 
perience, as well as from the truths of the inspired 
volume, that the '^ memory of the just is blessed," and 
profitable to survivors, in the encouragement afforded 
by the example they leave behind them ; we have 
deemed it our duty to our children, and those of our 
'^ household of faith" who are to follow us in the 
pilgrimage of life, to give our testimony to the purity 
of heart. Christian virtue, and earnest devotion to her 
Divine Master's will, which so conspicuously marked 
the life and character of our deceased friend, Martha E. 
Tyson. 

She was the daughter of George and Elizabeth 
Ellicott, and was born at Ellicott's Mills (now Ellicott 
City) in the year 1795; was married to our late friend, 
Nathan Tyson, in 1815, and for more than fifty years 
thereafter, was a bright and shining example of all that 
we appreciate and love in the varied relations of wife, 
mother and friend. 

Having from her childhood been a regular attendant 
of her Meeting, her interest and convictions increasing 



169 

as the years rolled by, she was oftea called into its 
services, and was eminently faithful in the performance 
of them. Especially was she fitted for .such missions 
as required the extension of the hand of sympathy, 
combined with gentle admonition, iier presence carrying 
with it such power that few could resist its most per- 
suasive influence. 

This diligence in the attendance of Meeting was 
characteristic of our dear friend. Rarely indeed was 
her seat vacant, even when bodily infirmity would seem 
to require it ; and she was remarkable for her solid de- 
portment therein, her countenance bearing the impress 
of devotion while engaged in vocal or silent prayer. 
She was often led to remarks expressive of the peace 
and solemnity which sometimes covered her spirit in 
these seasons of social worship ; frequently quoting the 
exclamations of the Psalmist, as indicative of her feelings 
on these occasions : " Thou anointest my head with oil, 
ray cup runneth over ; surely goodness and mercy shall 
follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in 
the house of the Lord forever." 

In the thirty-fifth year of her age, she was appointed 
to the responsible position of an Elder of this Meeting ; 
and although very reluctant at that period of life to 
assume the important duties of this station, feeling that 
the care of a large family of children demanded a 
mother's solicitude and a mother's attention ; yet she 
performed those duties to the satisfaction of her friends 
for many years. 

In the year 1838, she with her family removed, and 
settled for some vears within the limits of Little Falls 



170 

Monthly Meeting, where she soon after appeared 
frequently in the ministry. Her communications, 
though usually short, were impressive, acceptable and 
convincing ; were generally of a practical character, 
seldom doctrinal, and always pervaded with the deepest 
reverence for the Divine Father, and Christian charity 
towards all His children ; recognising the great fact 
that all who seek to know the Father's will, and do it, 
will be accepted with Him, without regard to sect or 
creed. She inculcated the mingling of religious obliga- 
tions with the smallest acts of daily life, as the truest 
means of showing our allegiance to the " King of 
Kings ;'' believing that the Father ofttimes reveals 
HimseL'Un simple ways, which, if accepted cheerfully, 
become as stepping-stones to higher states yet unrevealed. 
A favorite sentiment often quoted was — 

" Count that day lost, whose low-descending sun 
Marks, in its course, no generous action done." 

Her offerings in the line of the ministry were accom- 
panied with such evidences of the power of Truth, that 
her gift was recognised, and she was approved as a 
minister by this Monthly Meeting, in 1861. During 
part of her absence from the city, and some years subse- 
quently, she served as Clerk of the Women's Yearly 
Meeting. 

The improvement and development of all our facul- 
ties, and a higher standard of education in our Society, 
was a subject which for many years deeply interested her 
mind. Recognising our responsibility to our Heavenly 
Father for the right use of all His gifts, and believing 



171 

the cultivation of our intellectual powers renders us 
more useful to each other, in " bearing one another^s 
burdens/' and thus " fulfilling the law of Christ ; '^ she 
earnestly advocated this view on all suitable occasions, 
offen referring to the past records of our Society for 
illustrations of high intellectual culture, in connection 
with deep spiritual experience, exemplified in the life 
and labors of Robert Barclay, William Penn, Isaac 
Pennington, and others, whose records are among the 
brightest pages of our history. The interest awakened 
by her and a few concerned Friends in this particular, 
originated the movement which culminated in the estab- 
lishment of Swarthmore College. 

Although her public appearances were of so marked a 
character, it was in the privacy of domestic li.''^ that the 
"' fruits of the Spirit" were more strikingly manifested. 
Her home was the abode of Love, and bore beautiful 
evidence of the prevalence of this attribute of the 
Divine Mind ; exemplifying also that endearing quality 
of our nature, which in its proper exercise, comprehends 
our whole duty to our Heavenly Father, and to one 
another. 

The reading of the Bible in her family circle was 
marked; these seasons bearing evidence of the high 
value which she pjaced upon the Sacred Writings, and 
the deep, reverent spirit that clothed her mind while she 
read. 

To the subject of prayer, its sanctity, and the bless- 
ings received through its exercise, as the turning of a 
child to a loving parent, she was often led earnestly to 
call attention ; and her desire that the young should be, 
15 



172 

from their earliest years, imbued with a sense of its 
helpfulness, was most feelingly expressed both in public 
and private opportunities. She viewed it, as " our^Hw- 
lege, to raise our souls to our Father in Heaven, and 
by continued watchfulness and holy trust, so to attune 
them into harmony with His, that ^ not my will, but 
Thine/ should be the breathing of our highest aspira- 
tions ^^ ; ever believing in the promise, " Thou wilt 
keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, 
because he trusteth in Thee." 

Of her it may be emphatically said, that emulating 
the example of the Divine Master, she " went about, 
doing good ; " not only visiting " the widow and the 
fatherless in their affliction," and ministering to the 
necessities of the destitute ; but she was often favored 
to speak " the word in season " to the little ones of the 
flock, those who felt that their " family was poor in 
Manasseh, and they the least in their Father's house." 

To these she gave the " right hand of fellowship," 
and by her tender admonitions and her loving counsels, 
she aided and encouraged them, so that they were ready 
to rise up, ^' and go on their way towards Zion," re- 
joicing. 

Early in life's morning (as has been said) she entered 
into the vineyard of the Lord, and there diligently 
wrought in His holy service, resting not at the noon- 
tide hour, growing not weary with the day's long toil ; 
while the increasing sweetness of spirit, the widening 
of all her sympathies, and the added tenderness in their 
expression, marked the closing of a day growing richer 
and more beauteous to the end. And as the sunset 



173 

hour drew near, and the gracious message came to her, 
''Cease now from thy labors, for the task assigned thee 
is accomplished ;" though she meekly folded her hands, 
and rested from active service, she ceased not to " pray 
for the peace of Jerusalem" and the "enlargement of 
her borders '^ ; nor did she fail to exhort those around 
her, to enter as faithful laborers into the " fields white 
unto harvest," and fill the places there left vacant. 

While thus resting, and patiently waiting, she fre- 
quently observed, with child-like love and trust, " The 
Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He raaketh 
me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside 
the still waters." 

It was clearly evident to those who were privileged 
to watch with her during the closing hours of her life, 
that the Father's "banner over her was love"; and 
that His peace, even the " peace that passeth all under- 
standing," had been given to her in full measure, so 
that nothing could disturb or make her afraid. 

She had nothing to do but to wait — })atiently and 
reverently wait — for the summons that should call her 
from " works to rewards," and bid her enter into the 
"joy of her Lord." 

And thus daily growing in the knowledge of heavenly 
things, clothed with the spirit of prayer as with a gar- 
ment, and clasping more and more closely the Father's 
hand ; on the 5th day of 3d month, 1873, in the 78th 
year of her age, she passed away from earth, to dwell, 
we reverently believe, forever with Him, in whose 
'' presence is fulness of joy," and at whose " right hand, 
there are pleasures forever more." i 



174 

Read in, and approved by, Baltimore Monthly 
Meeting of Friends, held 9th month, 10th, 1874. 

Geraed H. Reese, \ m i- 

Elizabeth M. Sutton, ] '^ 

Read in Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, held at Gun- 
powder, 9th month, 14th, 1874, and directed to be for- 
warded to the Representative Committee of Baltimore 

Yearly Meeting. 

Wm.' C. Haviland, I ^j 7 
Rebecca M. Thomas, ] 

Read in Baltimore Yearly Meeting of Men and 
Women Friends. 

William Wood, I n/ i 
Mary L. Roberts, ) ^^ ^* 



LIST OF MEMORIALS. 



PAGE. 

Ann Moore, 3 

Joseph Berry, 5 

John Bartletl, 6 

James Berry, 7 

JohnMalsby, 9 

Mary Cox, 10 

Susanna Brown, ........ 14 

Philip Coale, . 16 

Hannah Matthews, 19 

ElishaKirk, 20 

William Matthews, 23 

William Wilson, . 28 

Isaac Everitt, 31 

Martha Mendenhall, .33 

Ruth Walton, ; . . 35 

Anthony Poultney, 38 

Mary Brooke, 39 

John Simpson, 42 

William Amos, 44 

Abel Thomas, 48 

Hannah Litle, 49 

James Mendenhall, 54 

Hannah Januey, 55 



/ 

176 

page/ 

Elizabeth Gillingham, 58 

Margaret Elgar, 63 

Mary Mifflin, . . " 65 

Mere}' Brown, 68 

Elizabeth Pugh 71 

Evan Thomas, 74 

Edward Stabler, 83 

Thomas Wetherald, 89 

Elizabeth Thomas, 96 

John Livingston, 102 

Jesse Gover, 106 

Mary D. Price, 110 

William Fisher, 116 

Judith Preston, 130 

Deborah Stabler, . 125 

Mary Matthews, 130 

Jacob Lafetra, . . 133 

William Stabler, 140 

Mary Stabler, . , 144 

Susannah Jewett, 148 

John Jewett, 151 

Elizabeth Smedley, 154 

Miriam G. Gover, 158 

Louisa Steer, 163 

Gulielma Wilson, 165 

Martha E. Tyson, 168 



^7T^ 



iV?S.^.!iiy O"" CONGRESS 




029 734 927 2 












t. 



^'■^■>^?y 






